Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Quarriston' — Rosette-forming with tall upright flower stems

Overview

Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Quarriston' 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 × sheldonii 'Quarriston' 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 × sheldonii 'Quarriston' is a perennial in the poppy family that forms a basal rosette and produces tall, upright flowering stems. The basal leaves are hairy and toothed or lobed and can be bronze-tinted. It flowers from May to July. Plants prefer a sheltered, north- or east-facing spot with protection from hot sun.

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 × sheldonii 'Quarriston' sits in the Papaveraceae and grows as a rosette-forming perennial with conspicuous upright flower stems above a collar of hairy, toothed or lobed basal leaves, sometimes with a bronze cast. Flowering occurs from May to July, a clear seasonal window when the stems rise above the foliage. Treat it like a shade-loving, moisture-preferring plant: give it partial shade on a north or east-facing aspect and shelter from hot, drying sun or strong winds. It performs best in deep, humus-rich, leafy loam that holds cool moisture while still draining freely; add plenty of leaf mould or well-rotted compost when planting and avoid alkaline or lime-rich ground, keeping pH on the acid to neutral side. Soil should remain reliably moist but not waterlogged. Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Quarriston' is winter-hardy in the UK (H6–H7, very hardy to fully hardy) and suits sheltered, semi-shaded positions such as shaded herbaceous borders, woodland edges or cool corners of mixed perennial beds where moisture can be maintained. Because the plant forms a basal rosette, give it space at the front or middle of a bed so the flowering stems can be enjoyed from close range; note the May–July flowering period when planning surrounding plants for sequence of interest.

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 × sheldonii 'Quarriston' 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 × sheldonii 'Quarriston'

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 × sheldonii 'Quarriston'?

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 × sheldonii 'Quarriston'?

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

What soil does Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Quarriston' need?

Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Quarriston' 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 × sheldonii 'Quarriston'?

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 × sheldonii 'Quarriston' hardy in the UK?

Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Quarriston' 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 × sheldonii 'Quarriston'?

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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