Meconopsis betonicifolia (blue poppy) — Rosette-forming with tall upright flower stems

Overview

Meconopsis betonicifolia is a rosette-forming with tall upright flower stems perennial in the genus Meconopsis, part of the Papaveraceae family, with deciduous; hairy, toothed or lobed basal rosettes, sometimes bronze-tinted foliage. Meconopsis betonicifolia grows best in partial shade; needs shelter from hot sun, and tolerates most soils and acid to neutral; dislikes lime pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6-H7. It is native to China.

About the genus

Meconopsis is a genus of flowering plants in the poppy family Papaveraceae. It was created by French botanist Viguier in 1814 for the species known by the common name Welsh poppy, which Carl Linnaeus had described as Papaver cambricum. The genus name means "poppy-like".

Wikipedia contributors, "Meconopsis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Meconopsis

In the garden

Meconopsis betonicifolia is a long-lived perennial in the Papaveraceae, native to China, that grows from a basal rosette and sends up tall, upright stems bearing blue flowers. The foliage is deciduous, hairy and toothed or lobed, sometimes with a bronze tint on the lower leaves. Flowering in the UK runs from May to July. Site choice is important: place the plant where it receives partial shade and is sheltered from hot sun, ideally on a north- or east-facing aspect. It prefers deep, humus-rich, leafy loam with an acid to neutral pH and dislikes lime; the soil should remain reliably moist and cool while still draining freely. In the UK it is rated H6–H7, which equates to very to fully hardy in most garden situations. Plant into a sheltered bed or border where root-zone moisture can be maintained without waterlogging. Avoid exposed, baking sites and thin, chalky soils. Expect the tall flower stems to rise above the basal rosette during the May to July flowering window, providing a clear seasonal display of its blue blooms.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Meconopsis

Sunlight: Partial shade; needs shelter from hot sun
Soil type: Deep, humus-rich, leafy loam
Soil pH: Acid to neutral; dislikes lime
Soil moisture: Reliably moist and cool, yet freely draining
Aspect: North or east facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6-H7

Plant details

Meconopsis betonicifolia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Rosette-forming with tall upright flower stems
Foliage: Deciduous; hairy, toothed or lobed basal rosettes, sometimes bronze-tinted
Native to: China

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Meconopsis betonicifolia

Cultivation: These are plants for cool, damp, sheltered gardens with acid soil, and they are genuinely difficult where summers are hot and dry. Provide deep leafy soil, constant moisture at the root, shade from midday sun and shelter from drying wind. Mulch each spring with leaf mould and never let them bake. Check whether a given species is monocarpic before relying on it as a permanent feature, and remove flower buds in the first year to help young plants establish.
Pruning: Deadhead perennial kinds promptly to conserve energy and discourage them from behaving as annuals. Leave a few heads on monocarpic species if seed is wanted, then clear the dead plant.
Propagation: Divide perennial species immediately after flowering. Sow seed fresh in autumn or late winter in a cold frame, as viability falls quickly - this is the only route for the monocarpic species.
Pest resistance: Slugs and snails are a serious threat to the emerging rosettes; aphids infest flower stems.
Disease resistance: Downy mildew and botrytis affect plants in stagnant air, and root rot follows waterlogging over winter.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Meconopsis betonicifolia?

These are plants for cool, damp, sheltered gardens with acid soil, and they are genuinely difficult where summers are hot and dry. Provide deep leafy soil, constant moisture at the root, shade from midday sun and shelter from drying wind. Mulch each spring with leaf mould and never let them bake. Check whether a given species is monocarpic before relying on it as a permanent feature, and remove flower buds in the first year to help young plants establish.

Where is the best place to plant Meconopsis betonicifolia?

Meconopsis betonicifolia prefers partial shade; needs shelter from hot sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Meconopsis betonicifolia need?

Meconopsis betonicifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including deep, humus-rich and leafy loam. It prefers acid to neutral; dislikes lime soil. Aim for soil that stays reliably moist and cool to yet freely draining.

How do I prune Meconopsis betonicifolia?

Deadhead perennial kinds promptly to conserve energy and discourage them from behaving as annuals. Leave a few heads on monocarpic species if seed is wanted, then clear the dead plant.

Is Meconopsis betonicifolia hardy in the UK?

Meconopsis betonicifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Meconopsis betonicifolia?

Divide perennial species immediately after flowering. Sow seed fresh in autumn or late winter in a cold frame, as viability falls quickly - this is the only route for the monocarpic species.

From the Fenn Plants journal

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