Overview
Meconopsis betonicifolia var. pratensis 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 var. pratensis 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
Meconopsis betonicifolia var. pratensis is a perennial poppy that forms a basal rosette and sends up tall, upright flower stems with blue blooms. The leaves are deciduous, hairy and toothed or lobed, sometimes taking on a bronze tint. It flowers in the UK from May to July. It performs best in partial shade on a sheltered, north or east-facing site with deep, humus-rich soil that stays cool and moist.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Meconopsis betonicifolia
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
A member of the Papaveraceae native to China, Meconopsis betonicifolia var. pratensis grows as a rosette-forming perennial that produces tall, upright stems of blue flowers. The plant retains a low, hairy basal rosette of toothed or lobed leaves that is sometimes bronze in tone; the flowering season in the UK runs from May to July. Place this blue poppy in partial shade where it will be sheltered from hot sun and drying winds. It prefers a north- or east-facing position and a deep, leafy loam rich in humus; soil should be acid to neutral and must avoid lime. Although the ground should remain reliably moist and cool, it also needs to be freely draining—wet but stagnant conditions are unsuitable. Rated H6–H7, it is very hardy to fully hardy across much of the UK when given the correct site. Use it where moisture and shade coincide, for example in a cool, sheltered herbaceous border or under light canopy where soil remains leafy and damp. Expect the hairy basal rosette to be the principal foliage interest outside the May to July flowering window.
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 var. pratensis 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 var. pratensis
- 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 var. pratensis?
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 var. pratensis?
Meconopsis betonicifolia var. pratensis prefers partial shade; needs shelter from hot sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Meconopsis betonicifolia var. pratensis need?
Meconopsis betonicifolia var. pratensis 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 var. pratensis?
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 var. pratensis hardy in the UK?
Meconopsis betonicifolia var. pratensis 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 var. pratensis?
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.
More in the Meconopsis genus
- Meconopsis chelidoniifolia
- Meconopsis × sheldonii
- Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Archie Campbell'
- Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Branklyn'
- Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Quarriston'
- Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Slieve Donard'
- Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Springhill'
- Meconopsis regiaroyal poppy