Meconopsis betonicifolia (Blue 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.