Wildlife value of California Poppy — an unexpected bonus

I planted California Poppy primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. wide seasonal succession from spring to autumn seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a container with a meadow mix for a balcony which allows me to watch the activity up close. peak flowering from early to midsummer is the most active period for wildlife visits. scarifying or scratching the soil before sowing for seed contact is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. dog walkers or trampling on unmown meadow areas is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.