About
Meconopsis betonicifolia, the blue poppy, is a short-lived, often monocarpic perennial to 1.2 m forming a rosette of hairy, oblong leaves. Erect, leafy stems bear a succession of clear-blue poppies 8�10 cm across with contrasting yellow stamens in summer. One of the most celebrated of all garden plants � stunning in a cool, moist, humus-rich, shaded border.
About the genus
Meconopsis are annuals, biennials and perennials � often monocarpic � with rosettes of hairy leaves and large, bowl-shaped flowers in blue, purple, yellow, red or white, borne singly or in racemes or panicles. Grown in cool, moist, humus-rich, shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina
Care notes
CultivationOnly suitable for particular sites: the soil needs to be neutral to slightly acid, moist but well-drained and enriched with leaf mould or humus to prevent stagnation; in a partially shaded site with shelter from cold, dry winds. Thrives in areas with cool damp summers
PruningCut down to the base in late autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division after flowering but can be short-lived
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews