Key Facts
- Native Hawaiian poppy with yellow flowers.
- Prefers well drained sandy or rocky soils.
- Tolerant of drought once established.
- Flowers are solitary and showy.
- Propagated easily by seed and self seeds in open sites.
- Contains alkaloids that make Argemone species toxic if ingested.
- Performs best in full sun.
Pua Kala is a native Hawaiian poppy with glaucous leaves and showy yellow flowers that suit dry sunny sites. It is often grown from seed and makes a low flowering plant for xeric borders and coastal slopes, though plants contain alkaloids and will self seed in open ground.
Identification
Pua Kala is a low to medium plant usually 1 to 3 feet tall with a similar spread. Leaves are glaucous and bluish, and flowers are solitary and bright yellow. The plant produces seed capsules that open to release many seeds, which helps it form loose groups on dry open sites.
Best uses and where to plant
Use Pua Kala in dry sunny borders, coastal gardens and xeriscapes where low water use is desired. It performs best in full sun on sandy or rocky well drained soils and tolerates poor, dry substrates. Avoid planting where pets or children might ingest plant parts because of toxic alkaloids.
Planting and spacing
Sow seed on the soil surface in a sunny, well drained spot and press lightly to ensure contact. Leave roughly 1 to 3 feet between plants to match the typical spread and allow room for self seeding. Heavy, waterlogged soils reduce vigor and increase risk of decline.
Light soil and watering
Plant Pua Kala in full sun for the best flowering. It tolerates drought once established and needs infrequent watering on dry sites. Overwatering or poor drainage causes stunted growth, yellowing foliage and higher likelihood of root problems.
After flowering care
Seed capsules will release seed if left on the plant so remove spent flowers to limit reseeding or leave them to naturalize a slope. In colder locations plants often die back or act as short lived perennials, so expect replacement from seed or seasonal replanting.
Controlling spread and naturalizing
Pua Kala self seeds readily in open sunny areas and can form colonies in ideal warm sites. Control spread by removing seed capsules before they open, pulling young seedlings and avoiding sowing where unwanted reseeding would be a problem.
Propagation
Propagate by seed and sow on the soil surface in well drained mixed sand or rocky soil. Seed establishment is straightforward in open sunny sites and plants will often reappear from self seeding. Transplants are less commonly used for establishment.
Hardiness and timing
Pua Kala is not frost tolerant and is best in warm frost free climates roughly USDA 9 to 11. In warm Hawaiian climates it can bloom year round and is often most prolific in spring and summer. In cooler zones expect dieback or treat plants as short lived perennials.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Pua Kala grow?
- Growth rate varies with site fertility and moisture. Plants typically reach about 1 to 3 feet tall. In warm, favorable sites they establish and flower within a season and can form loose groups over time through self seeding.
- Is Pua Kala toxic?
- Yes. Argemone species contain alkaloids that can be poisonous if ingested. Avoid eating any part of the plant and consider gloves when handling if you have sensitive skin.
- Will Pua Kala survive winter?
- Pua Kala is not frost tolerant. It is best grown in warm frost free climates roughly USDA 9 to 11. In colder zones plants may die back or behave as short lived perennials and may need reseeding or seasonal replacement.
- Does Pua Kala self seed?
- Yes. Seed capsules release many seeds and plants commonly self seed in open sunny sites. Remove spent flowers to limit reseeding or allow naturalizing where desired.
- How do I propagate Pua Kala?
- Propagate by seed. Sow seeds on the surface of well drained sandy or rocky soil in a sunny position. Seedlings establish readily in open dry habitats.
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