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

Overview

Meconopsis grandis 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. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Meconopsis grandis 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. Suggested uses include rock gardens, shaded borders and woodland gardens. It is native to China (Yunnan), Bhutan, northeast India and Nepal.

About

Meconopsis grandis is a perennial poppy in the Papaveraceae that forms a basal rosette and produces tall, upright flower stems. The foliage is deciduous, hairy and toothed or lobed, sometimes with a bronze tint. Plants reach about 1.0 m and perform best in partial shade with shelter from hot sun. It prefers deep, humus-rich, leafy loam that stays cool and reliably moist.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Meconopsis grandis

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 grandis (Himalayan Blue Poppy) is a perennial in the poppy family native to Yunnan in China, Bhutan, north-east India and Nepal. It grows from a basal rosette of hairy, toothed or lobed leaves and sends up erect flowering stems, reaching around 1.0 m at maturity; flowering occurs from May to July. Give it partial shade on a north- or east-facing site, and shelter from hot sun and exposed conditions. Soil should be deep, humus-rich leafy loam, acid to neutral in reaction — the species dislikes lime — and kept cool, reliably moist yet freely draining. It is rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy) so it will tolerate UK winter conditions when planted in a protected, moisture-retentive spot. Use Meconopsis grandis in shaded borders, woodland gardens or among larger rock garden plantings where its upright stems can be seen above lower companions. Allow room for the basal rosette and the upright flower stems when positioning specimens, since plants commonly reach about 1.0 m when in flower.

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 grandis 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
Height: 1.0 m
Suggested uses: Rock gardens, shaded borders, woodland gardens
Native to: China (Yunnan), Bhutan, northeast India, Nepal

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Meconopsis grandis

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 grandis?

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 grandis?

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

What soil does Meconopsis grandis need?

Meconopsis grandis 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 grandis?

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.

How big does Meconopsis grandis grow?

Meconopsis grandis reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Meconopsis grandis hardy in the UK?

Meconopsis grandis 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 grandis?

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

Browse all Meconopsis →