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

Overview

Meconopsis grandis 'Prain's Variety' 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 'Prain's Variety' 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 'Prain's Variety' is a perennial in the poppy family forming a basal rosette with tall, upright flowering stems. It reaches about 1.0 m and produces deciduous, hairy, toothed or lobed basal leaves that are sometimes bronze-tinted. It prefers a sheltered, north- or east-facing spot in deep, humus-rich, leafy loam. Flowering occurs from May to July.

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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".

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In the garden

A perennial member of Papaveraceae, Meconopsis grandis 'Prain's Variety' originates from highland regions of China (Yunnan), Bhutan, north-east India and Nepal and grows as a rosette with tall upright flower stems to roughly 1.0 m. The basal foliage is deciduous, hairy and toothed or lobed, occasionally showing a bronze tint as the season develops. Position plants in partial shade, avoiding hot sun, and choose a north- or east-facing, sheltered site where soil stays cool and damp. It prefers deep, humus-rich, leafy loam with an acid to neutral pH and dislikes lime. The soil should be reliably moist yet freely draining to avoid prolonged waterlogging while keeping root temperatures low. The UK hardiness rating H6–H7 indicates the plant is very hardy to fully hardy under suitable microclimate conditions. Use it where cool, shaded conditions can be provided: rock gardens with shade, shaded herbaceous borders and woodland garden schemes suit its requirements. Plant with enough space so the basal rosette can develop and keep the root zone supplied with organic matter to maintain moisture levels. Flowers appear from May to July on the tall stems rising above the rosette.

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 'Prain's Variety' 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 'Prain's Variety'

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 'Prain's Variety'?

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 'Prain's Variety'?

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

What soil does Meconopsis grandis 'Prain's Variety' need?

Meconopsis grandis 'Prain's Variety' 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 'Prain's Variety'?

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 'Prain's Variety' grow?

Meconopsis grandis 'Prain's Variety' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Meconopsis grandis 'Prain's Variety' hardy in the UK?

Meconopsis grandis 'Prain's Variety' 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 'Prain's Variety'?

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

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