Tree Poppy Plant Care

Tree Poppy (Bocconia frutescens) belongs to the Papaveraceae family within the Bocconia genus. Tree Poppy is native to the Americas, including Mexico, parts of Central and South America, and the West Indies. Tree Poppy is also known as Broom Weed, Papelillo.

Tree Poppy displays a large, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Tree Poppy produces small, inconspicuous flowers in terminal clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tree Poppy every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Tree Poppy thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Bocconia frutescens tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Tree Poppy prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Tree Poppy to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tree Poppy every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tree Poppy is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Tree Poppy can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Tree Poppy while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Tree Poppy is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Tree Poppy can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Tree Poppy is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Tree Poppy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Tree Poppy is native to the Americas, including Mexico, parts of Central and South America, and the West Indies. In cooler regions, grow Tree Poppy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.