Meconopsis 'Marit'

RHS Plant Profile
Himalayan blue poppy 'Marit'
Himalayan blue poppy 'Marit' RHS
Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

A short-lived perennial about 1m tall, forming an upright rosette of green, oval leaves densely clothed with ginger hairs. In summer, erect, leafy stems bear a cluster of white poppies about 12cm across, with a central boss of golden-yellow stamens. The seed capsules, covered in long ginger hairs, are decorative but contain no viable seed

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Meconopsis can be annuals, biennials, evergreen or herbaceous perennials, often monocarpic, with rosettes of hairy leaves and bowl-shaped flowers that may be solitary on a leafless stem, or in racemes or panicles on a leafy stem
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Only suitable for particular sites: the soil needs to be neutral to slightly acid, moist but well-drained and enriched with leaf mould or humus to prevent stagnation; in a partially shaded site with shelter from cold, dry winds. Thrives in areas with cool damp summers

Propagation

Propagate by division after flowering but can be short-lived

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut down to the base in late autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews