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Liberty Hyde Bailey wrote in 1944: "Callirhoes are of easiest culture and deserving of a much greater popularity."

Roots and leaves have been used in cooking, and a decoction of the root has been used to treat internal pain.

Poppy Mallow
Callirhoe papaver

Malvaceae

Native to the Western United States and northern Mexico, Poppy Mallow grows quickly in summer. Leaves are alternate, palmate, hairy and deeply lobed. Cup-shaped magenta flowers are found throughout the plant but are primarily on terminals. Blooming starts in June and continues until frost. Because it has a long tap root, it only needs water during a lengthy drought.

Plant Type: perennial

Plant Form or Habit: low and trailing

Plant Use: Growing over walls, in raised beds, in rock gardens, in the front of the border.

Propagation:
division
stem cuttings
Light Requirement: full sun

Flower Color:
violet
pink
Bloom Period:
mid-summer
late summer
early fall
mid-fall
late fall
Height: Minimum: 12 inches      Maximum: 24 inches

Width: Minimum: 12 inches     Maximum: 24 inches

Foliage Texture: medium

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4

Water Requirements: low

Additional Comments: Easy to propagate. Transplant in cool weather. Smaller seedlings transplant more easily because of its long tap root. Stem cuttings or 3-4 inches root quickly and division of deep root stocks will work in spring and fall. This plant is susceptible to slug damage. The name Callirhoe comes from the mythical Callirhoe, daughter of Achelous, the river god.


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