Q: Last year I saw what looked like giant white poppies around town. What are they and how would I grow them?

A:  These Southern California natives are Matilija poppies (Romneya coulteri), also  often called "fried egg poppies" because of the big boss of golden stamens centered on the white petals which can reach up to 9 inches across. When happy, this plant grows by underground rhizomes to form a thicket of up to 8 ft tall (although usually shorter) stems with jagged, gray-green leaves. It is happiest in full sun with good drainage, and needs no water once established, although it is OK with a little. It typically dies down in hot summer weather and the dead stems can be cut back in late fall or winter for late spring/early summer bloom. The Grow Native Nursery at the California Botanic Garden often has them for sale.