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Meconopsis baileyi (Himalayan Blue Poppy)

Himalayan Blue Poppy

AGM Award
Meconopsis Baileyi, Himalayan Blue Poppy, Meconopsis betonicifolia, blue flower

Noted for its astonishing blue poppy flowers, Meconopsis baileyi (Himalayan Blue Poppy) is a short-lived, clump-forming perennial boasting large, silky, cup-shaped, clear blue flowers, 3-4 in. wide (8-10 cm), with contrasting golden stamens and a short ivory-white style. Borne in succession on erect leafy stems, the striking blossoms rise with majesty from a basal rosette of hairy, oblong leaves and give way to narrow seed pods. Short-lived, Himalayan Blue Poppy will, however, persist and flower year after year, if given suitable conditions and care. Planted in small groups, the delicate flowers will give a color punch to your shady borders and draw attention from late spring to early summer.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities.
  • Grows in clumps up to 3-4 ft. tall (90 – 120cm) and spreads 12-24 in. (30-60 cm). Will happily self-seed in good growing conditions to create a lovely colony.
  • Prefers part shade in humus-rich, neutral to slightly acid, moist but well-drained soils. Make sure the soil has plenty of organic matter. Do not allow the soil to dry out during the growing season or get waterlogged in winter.
  • This plant does not respond well to high summer heat and humidity but thrives in areas with cool damp summers. Shelter from cold, dry winds.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and mulch round plants with garden compost or well-rotted manure.
  • Perfect for borders and beds, underplanting shrubs, and cottage gardens.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Cut down to the base in late fall.
  • Propagate by seed or by division after flowering but can be short-lived.
  • May be affected by slugs and snails or downy mildew
  • Native to Tibet.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 17, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Papaveraceae
Genus Meconopsis
Common names Blue Poppy, Himalayan Poppy
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Meconopsis ‘Jimmy Bayne’ (Blue Poppy)
Meconopsis ‘Bobby Masterton’ (Blue Poppy)
Meconopsis ‘Lingholm’ (Blue Poppy)
Meconopsis grandis (Tibetan Poppy)
Meconopsis napaulensis (Satin Poppy)
Meconopsis baileyi var. alba (Himalayan White Poppy)

Recommended Companion Plants

Lychnis flos-cuculi ‘Petite Jenny’ (Ragged Robin)
Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo)
Rhododendron ‘Hino Crimson’
Primula x bulleesiana (Candelabra Primrose)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Stunning Blue Flowers to Enhance Your Garden’s Beauty
Meconopsis (Blue Poppy)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 17, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Papaveraceae
Genus Meconopsis
Common names Blue Poppy, Himalayan Poppy
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Meconopsis (Himalayan Poppy) to pick?
Compare Now

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