California poppy

One of Gay Search's favourite plants for low-maintenance areas, the California poppy will happily self-seed, appearing year after year. A fast-growing annual with feathery bluish-green leaves, it enjoys a sunny site with poor, well-drained soil and is particularly well-suited to gravel gardens. In summer, it produces slender, single blooms that come in shades of orange, red, yellow or white, which are followed by long, curved seed-pods. Sow the seeds in mid-spring where you want them to flower. Deadhead regularly to ensure a long flowering period.