Plant a young winecup in fall or spring, at the same depth it sat in the pot. Do not lift a mature taproot.
Plant a young plant in fall or spring — do not lift a mature taproot
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | Fall or spring, when the soil is workable | Setting a new plant out in summer heat |
| Start | A young nursery plant | Digging a mature garden plant to move it |
| Depth | The same depth it sat in the pot | Burying the crown |
| Spacing | About 18 to 24 inches, with room to trail about three feet | A tight row with no room to sprawl |
Choose the final spot now. A plant still in its pot moves fine, but an established taproot does not. [1] [2] winecup and Bush's poppy mallow share that rule. Confirm the kind on Types of Winecup before you dig. On heavy clay, loosen the hole with grit or decomposed granite so water does not stand over the crown after rain. Skip a richly amended pocket that stays wet. Do not bury the crown under a thick wood mulch. The plant likes gravel and shallow cracks more than a wet, composted bed.
Can I transplant an established winecup?
No. The taproot runs deep. Buy a young plant, or grow from seed. A moved mature plant usually dies.
How to plant winecup
Set one young plant at a time, at pot depth, then water once to settle.
- Confirm trailing winecup or Bush's poppy mallow on the tag. If the tag only says poppy mallow, match it on Types of Winecup.
- Plant in fall or spring. Skip summer heat. A new plant in July often cooks before the taproot can go down. [3]
- Dig a hole no deeper than the pot. Set the crown at the same depth, backfill, and water in once.
- Leave 18 to 24 inches between plants, and room for stems to trail about three feet. Trailing winecup needs that open ground more than Bush's does. [4]
- Do not pile a heavy wood mulch on the crown. After planting, sun and first-year water are on How to Grow Winecup. Seed is on Growing Winecup from Seed.
When do I plant winecup?
Plant in fall or spring, when the soil is workable. Skip summer heat.
If a mature plant fails after a move, the taproot broke — start again with a young plant in fall or spring.
FAQ
Can I move a seedling?
A small first-year seedling can still move if you keep the root intact. Do not lift a plant that already has a thick taproot.
Should I plant Bush's poppy mallow in fall?
Fall is a good window for Bush's, and spring works too. Skip summer heat for both kinds.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/callirhoe-involucrata/ - [2] University of Arkansas Extension -
https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/poppy-mallow-7-25-08.aspx - [3] Central Texas Gardener -
https://www.centraltexasgardener.org/resource/winecup/ - [4] Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens -
https://www.jenkinsarboretum.org/gardens/shop/callirhoe-involucrata-winecup/
This note is part of Callirhoe Guides.
More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors