Overview
Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Slieve Donard' 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 'Slieve Donard' 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
A rosette-forming perennial with tall, upright flower stems, Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Slieve Donard' belongs to the poppy family Papaveraceae. It carries deciduous, hairy basal leaves that are toothed or lobed and can show a bronze tint. Best placed in partial shade on a north- or east-facing, sheltered aspect, it needs reliably moist, cool yet freely draining soil. Flowering occurs 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 × sheldonii 'Slieve Donard' is a perennial in the poppy family that grows from a basal rosette into tall, upright flowering stems. The foliage is deciduous, hairy and toothed or lobed, sometimes taking on a bronze tint that can be useful for mid-season contrast. Flowering is in May to July. Site choice is crucial: select a north- or east-facing position with shelter from hot sun and prevailing winds. It prefers deep, humus-rich, leafy loam that remains cool and reliably moist but does not sit waterlogged; the plant dislikes lime and performs best in acid to neutral soil. Partial shade is essential — exposed, baking sites will stress the foliage and reduce flowering. Give it a sheltered spot among other shade-tolerant perennials or beneath deciduous shrubs where roots do not compete too strongly. Hardiness is H6–H7, meaning it is very hardy to fully hardy in UK terms and tolerates most winters when planted in a protected, moisture-retentive site. Expect the basal rosette to die back after the flowering season as the plant moves into its dormant phase.
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 'Slieve Donard' 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 'Slieve Donard'
- 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 'Slieve Donard'?
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 'Slieve Donard'?
Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Slieve Donard' prefers partial shade; needs shelter from hot sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Slieve Donard' need?
Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Slieve Donard' 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 'Slieve Donard'?
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 'Slieve Donard' hardy in the UK?
Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Slieve Donard' 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 'Slieve Donard'?
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
- Meconopsis chelidoniifolia
- Meconopsis × sheldonii
- Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Archie Campbell'
- Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Branklyn'
- Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Quarriston'
- Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Springhill'
- Meconopsis regiaroyal poppy
- Meconopsis superba