Meconopsis regia (royal poppy) — Rosette-forming with tall upright flower stems

Overview

Meconopsis regia 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 regia 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 suitable for shaded woodland gardens, rock gardens and and shaded borders where moisture is retained.. It is native to Himalayas.

About

Meconopsis regia is a perennial rosette-forming poppy with tall, upright flower stems. It forms deciduous, hairy basal rosettes that are toothed or lobed and can develop a bronze tint. Plant in a sheltered, north- or east-facing spot with deep, humus-rich leafy loam that stays cool and reliably moist. Flowers appear in May to July.

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 regia belongs to the poppy family (Papaveraceae) and originates from the Himalayas. It grows from a basal rosette and sends up tall, upright flower stems in late spring and early summer. The foliage is deciduous, hairy and toothed or lobed, sometimes taking on a bronze tint as it matures. Choose a sheltered site with partial shade and protection from hot afternoon sun; north- or east-facing positions suit it best. Give it a deep, humus-rich, leafy loam with an acid to neutral pH and avoid lime. The soil should remain reliably moist and cool while still draining freely — water in dry spells but do not allow water to stand. In UK terms Meconopsis regia is very hardy to fully hardy (H6–H7) so it tolerates most winters when sited in a cool, protected microclimate. Use Meconopsis regia in shaded woodland borders, shaded rock gardens or moist, sheltered borders where moisture is retained. Flowers are produced from May to July on the upright stems, after which the basal rosette dies back for the season; allow the foliage to run its course so the plant can replenish the crown for the following year.

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 regia 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
Suggested uses: Suitable for shaded woodland gardens, rock gardens, and shaded borders where moisture is retained.
Native to: Himalayas

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Meconopsis regia

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 regia?

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 regia?

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

What soil does Meconopsis regia need?

Meconopsis regia 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 regia?

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 regia hardy in the UK?

Meconopsis regia 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 regia?

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 →