Meconopsis betonicifolia (Blue Poppy)
Himalayan Poppy, Blue Poppy, Tibetan Poppy
Noted for its beauty and grandeur, Meconopsis betonicifolia (Blue Poppy) is a short-lived 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. Occasionally monocarpic, Blue Poppy will bloom in summer, then make seeds and die. However, this clump-forming perennial will 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.
- 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 acidic, 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.
- 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.
- The acidity of the soil will impact the color of your poppies: the more alkaline the soil, the more purple the color will be.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and mulch round plants with garden compost or well-rotted manure.
- Perfect for beds and borders, underplanting shrubs, cottage gardens, and woodland 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 the Himalayas and surrounding regions.
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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 | Meconopsis - 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" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Lori Ellis, Sujitra Chaowdee, Shutterstock
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.
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 | Meconopsis - 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" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |