Meconopsis betonicifolia Franch.
blue poppy
A short-lived, often monocarpic perennial to 1.2m in height, forming a rosette of hairy, oblong leaves. Erect leafy stems bear a succession of clear blue poppies 8-10cm in width with contrasting yellow stamens
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- China
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 seed or by division after flowering but can be short-lived
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Cut down to the base in late autumn
Pests
Diseases
May be affected by a downy mildew
Get involved
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