Meconopsis × sarsonsii — Rosette-forming with tall upright flower stems

Overview

Meconopsis × sarsonsii 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 × sarsonsii 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.

About

Meconopsis × sarsonsii is a perennial in the poppy family that forms a basal rosette and sends up tall, upright flower stems. The basal leaves are deciduous, hairy and toothed or lobed, and can be bronze-tinted. It prefers partial shade on a north or east-facing, sheltered site with deep, humus-rich, leafy loam. Flowers appear from 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 × sarsonsii is a rosette-forming perennial in Papaveraceae that produces a ground-level cluster of hairy, toothed or lobed leaves and later sends up tall, upright flowering stems. Flowering takes place from May to July. The foliage is deciduous and is often bronze-tinted at times, which is a useful seasonal feature to note when planning contrast in the border. Plant into deep, humus-rich, leafy loam that remains reliably moist and cool but drains freely; the plant dislikes lime and performs best on acid to neutral soil. Position in partial shade with shelter from strong sun and prevailing winds — a north- or east-facing spot beneath light canopy or beside taller shrubs provides the protection it needs. Hardiness ratings H6–H7 translate to very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms, so established plants tolerate typical winter conditions when sited correctly. Give consistent moisture through the growing season and avoid hot, exposed positions where foliage can scorch. In a garden layout, place Meconopsis × sarsonsii where its basal rosette and upright stems can be seen at close range, for example near a path or the front of a sheltered border. The plant's deciduous basal rosette, sometimes bronze-tinted, remains a distinctive seasonal element in the bed.

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 × sarsonsii 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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Meconopsis × sarsonsii

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 × sarsonsii?

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 × sarsonsii?

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

What soil does Meconopsis × sarsonsii need?

Meconopsis × sarsonsii 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 × sarsonsii?

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 × sarsonsii hardy in the UK?

Meconopsis × sarsonsii 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 × sarsonsii?

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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