About
Meconopsis quintuplinervia, the harebell poppy, is a compact, mat-forming perennial to 45 cm producing dense mats of bristly, mid-green leaves to 15 cm long. In spring and early summer, hairy stems bear single, nodding, lavender-blue flowers. One of the few reliably perennial Meconopsis � excellent 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
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toW China
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a soil that is neutral to slightly acid, moist but well-drained and enriched with leaf mould or humus. Prefers a partially shaded site with shelter from cold, dry winds
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division after flowering or propagate by seed sown in autumn but note that germination may be poor
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free