Essex,
United Kingdom 
I have a plant growing in my garden which I do not know the name of. It was here when I moved here, and I would like to get more. Could you tell me what it is called and should I be able to get it easily ?
18 May, 2011
Answers
Thank you very much for your answer. Yes you are right about it coming from my neighbours garden. It's such a vivid colour and lasts quite a long time. I will definitely buy some more of these. Thanks again.
18 May, 2011
You're welcome!
18 May, 2011
Common name California poppy, proper name is Escholzia californica - usually seeds itself.
18 May, 2011
Gosh, you are so knowledgeable, Bamboo!...and I mean THAT, quite sincerely! Love that name!...
E-SCH-O-L-Z-I-A! I've got loads of them!
18 May, 2011
I know these well - they were the first pack of seeds I ever bought back in 1980 and then, they were sold under their proper name.
18 May, 2011
Just for fun (please don't take offence Bamboo), the correct spelling is Eschscholzia.
I only point this out because it's the most baffling use of three letters (the second "sch") - try pronouncing it as spelt!!!
18 May, 2011
Hmm, interesting - not on Google its not, Meanie, which is where I checked it cos I couldn't be bothered to get my book out - but you're right, it is properly spelt that way.
18 May, 2011
Well, well, well !
It's spelt that queer way in the Hessayon 'expert' book of 'Flowers' too !!!
Meanie, you've started something now, it's amazing how you learn new things !!!!!
Eschscholzia .... must be a German thing with all those 'esch'es ! ;-)
18 May, 2011
In cooler climates, like the UK, they can become short-lived perennials, if they have good drainage.
19 May, 2011
Louise - It was Sue who pointed it out to me one day in the garden centre. She'd always pronounced them "EscholOHzia". After I'd corrected her one day, she went and got a packet of seeds and said "go on - pronounce that!"
Tug - it isn't our cold that gets them though. All Sues self seeders got through the last bitterly cold winter. As you say, it's the combo of cool and wet.
19 May, 2011
True! I have seem them become perennials in Flagstaff, Arizona, even after a -35ยบ winter, but only in raised beds, or on the cinder-based soils in the eastern part of town.
21 May, 2011
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Its a Californian Poppy, a hardy annual the seed probably flew in from a neighbour! you can buy packets of the seed readily they come in an array of colours and I think you may still have time to sow some now!
18 May, 2011