Meconopsis aculeata (Himalayan blue poppy) — Clump forming

Overview

Meconopsis aculeata is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Meconopsis, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Meconopsis aculeata grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.

About

Meconopsis aculeata is a blue-flowered thorny species of the genus Meconopsis with a small geographical distribution restricted to specific areas of Pakistan and India, in the west Himalayas. The species was described from specimens collected here, by Royle in 1833. It is also known as Bhoti 'Tsersnon' in Ladakh. Along with Juniperus polycarpos (also known as Bhoti 'Shukpa'), it is used in the Sowa-Rigpa (also known as Amchi system) traditional medicine system. In the garden it prefers partial shade and clay and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Meconopsis aculeata

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Meconopsis

Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil type: Clay, Loam
Soil pH: Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Meconopsis aculeata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Meconopsis aculeata

Propagation: Propagate by division; this cultivar does not produce viable seed
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to downy mildews