California poppy Purple Gleam is a beguiling wildflower with teardrop buds opening to silky lustrous cups, closing in the evening and when cloudy weather reigns. They self sow readily and often find just the right spot to grow—along dry garden edges, rock gardens and gravelly spots where little else grows. Best in areas where summer nights cool down, where they bloom long, elsewhere a spring to summer delight, especially when grown in large drifts. Deadhead.