Overview
Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Springhill' 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 'Springhill' 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 'Springhill' is a perennial in the poppy family that forms a basal rosette and sends up tall, upright flower stems. Leaves are hairy and toothed or lobed, often taking on a bronze tint. It prefers a sheltered, north- or east-facing position out of hot sun. 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 × sheldonii 'Springhill' sits within the Papaveraceae and grows from a clearly defined basal rosette into upright, flowering stalks. The foliage is deciduous, hairy and toothed or lobed, and may show a bronze tinge at times of the year. Flowering runs from May to July. Give it partial shade with protection from hot afternoon sun and choose a north- or east-facing site where temperatures remain cooler. Plant into deep, humus-rich, leafy loam that holds moisture yet drains freely. The soil should be acid to neutral; avoid alkaline or limey ground. Aim to keep the root zone reliably moist and cool — a generous mulch of leaf mould or well-rotted compost will help conserve moisture and maintain a loose, humic structure. The cultivar suits sheltered positions rather than exposed, windy beds. Its UK hardiness is rated H6–H7, meaning it tolerates very cold to fully hardy conditions in most parts of the country when sited correctly. Use 'Springhill' in shaded herbaceous borders, a cool woodland edge or beneath light, deciduous canopy where soil remains moist and sheltered. Because the basal leaves die back, the bronze-tinted rosette is a useful identifying feature outside the main flowering period.
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 'Springhill' 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 'Springhill'
- 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 'Springhill'?
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 'Springhill'?
Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Springhill' prefers partial shade; needs shelter from hot sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Springhill' need?
Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Springhill' 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 'Springhill'?
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 'Springhill' hardy in the UK?
Meconopsis × sheldonii 'Springhill' 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 'Springhill'?
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 'Slieve Donard'
- Meconopsis regiaroyal poppy
- Meconopsis superba