Fringed Poppy, Winecup
callirhoe digitata
Also known as: ["Fringed Poppy","Winecup"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial native to North America, known for its cup-shaped, magenta flowers that bloom in summer.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Callirhoe |
| Botanical Name: | Callirhoe digitata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in a sunny location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with moderate fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moving from shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate airflow to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy or sandy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter in heavy soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates heat but may go dormant in extreme conditions; hardy to USDA zones 4–8.
Monitor temperature extremes; adjust watering and light exposure accordingly; protect from frost in cold climates.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to prevent excessive foliage growth; apply fertilizer to moist soil to avoid root burn; stop fertilizing during dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be sown in fall or early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pots within 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of crowded stems; cutting back leggy growth to promote branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before active growth; remove dead/damaged stems; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the root zone; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture distribution without saturating the soil; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or yellowing in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf damage or dormancy; prolonged cold can lead to root damage.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, flower drop, and reduced vigor; may enter dormancy to conserve energy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good airflow.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid over-fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCallirhoe digitata is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose any significant health risks upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicCallirhoe digitata is not known to be toxic to dogs. It poses no significant health risks upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicCallirhoe digitata is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Callirhoe digitata require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: How often should I water Callirhoe digitata?
A: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Does Callirhoe digitata attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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