Meconopsis napaulensis (Satin Poppy)

Stately and easy to grow, Meconopsis napaulensis (Satin Poppy) is a short-lived perennial boasting tall racemes of nodding, shallowly cup-shaped, yellow, pink, red, or white flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), in late spring to early summer. The blossoms are borne on erect, slender stems arising from a basal rosette of oblong to lance-shaped, deeply lobed leaves felted with silvery hairs. The bold evergreen foliage is quite beautiful and is worth growing for the leaves alone. A clump of Satin Poppies is a pretty sight in the late spring garden and the evergreen rosettes add winter interest. This plant is monocarpic: it sets seeds and dies after flowering. However, Satin Poppy is easy to grow from seed. It will take it between 2-5 years to flower.

• Grows in clumps up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• 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.
• Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and mulch round plants with garden compost or well-rotted manure.
• Perfect for beds and borders, cottage gardens, and woodland gardens.
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• May be affected by slugs and snails or downy mildew. Root rot will occur in poorly drained soils.
• Native to Eastern Asia – the Himalayas to China, Nepal, and Szechwan.