Overview
Meconopsis grandis 'Alba' is a short-lived perennials, often monocarpic herbaceous perennial in the genus Meconopsis, part of the Papaveraceae family, with attractive leaf rosettes foliage. Meconopsis grandis 'Alba' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland gardens and moist shaded beds.
About
Meconopsis grandis, the Himalayan blue poppy, is a species of flowering plant in the poppy family (Papaveraceae), native to China (Yunnan), Bhutan, northeast India and Nepal.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Meconopsis
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Meconopsis grandis 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Short-lived perennials, often monocarpic
- Foliage
- Attractive leaf rosettes
- Suggested uses
- Woodland gardens, moist shaded beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Meconopsis grandis 'Alba'
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to downy mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Meconopsis grandis 'Alba'?
Meconopsis grandis 'Alba' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Meconopsis grandis 'Alba' need?
Meconopsis grandis 'Alba' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Meconopsis grandis 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Meconopsis grandis 'Alba' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Meconopsis grandis 'Alba'?
Division, seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Meconopsis genus
- Meconopsis betonicifoliablue poppy
- Meconopsis betonicifolia var. pratensisblue poppy
- Meconopsis cambricaWelsh poppy
- Meconopsis chelidoniifolia
- Meconopsis grandisHimalayan blue poppy
- Meconopsis grandis 'Keillour Purple'Himalayan Blue Poppy
- Meconopsis grandis 'Miss Dickson'Himalayan blue poppy
- Meconopsis grandis 'Prain's Variety'Himalayan blue poppy