Callirhoe involucrata (Prairie Winecups; Purple Poppy Mallow)

From CONPS: With a long taproot, Prairie winecup is very drought-resistant, but will also become difficult to move after just a few years so be sure to locate it wisely. This perennial prefers relatively dry, well-drained soil and full sun. Flowers open in the morning and close by evening. Low growing, from 6" to 12" winecup will form a 3' mat over time. Cut back if it becomes leggy. Blooms through most of the summer with deep magenta, cup- shaped flowers that stand individually on single stems. Often the center of the flower is paler or white. Attractive to pollinators.

*I got mine from Garden in a Box program; they did amazing the first two years, now are almost gone / crowded out/eaten by rabbits?

Bought 2 more at Harlequin’s late May 2022; placed at South edge of new rock bed. Plant FS to PS, 12” apart. Grows to 12”. Zone 4.

From GIAB: Mature Height: 6-12”
Mature Spread: 2-3’
Hardy To: 7,500’

Water: Medium to Low
Exposure: Full Sun
Flower Color: Magenta
Flower Season: Early Summer to Fall Attracts: Butterflies, Native Bees Resistant To: Deer

Description: A member of the mallow family, Prairie Winecups are also referred to as the “Buffalo Rose”, because they grow well in dry, rocky areas like prairies, pastures, open woods, and roadsides. Its pink and chalice-shaped flowers complement its silvery and deeply lobed foliage. Winecups will spread across your garden to create a delightful mat of foliage studded with showy pink blooms. Due to its long taproot, Winecups are incredibly drought-resistant and its foliage will stay green nearly all year.

Care: Plant in a sunny and well-drained spot. Remove old flowers before they go to seed to encourage future blooms. Prune regular- ly if the plant becomes too “leggy.”
Fun Fact: Traditionally, the roots of Callirhoe involcrata were boiled and drank as a tea for pain relief.