Meconopsis simplicifolia var. baileyi (Sikkim poppy) — Rosette-forming with tall upright flower stems

Overview

Meconopsis simplicifolia var. baileyi 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 simplicifolia var. baileyi 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. It is native to Central Nepal and Southeastern Tibet.

About

Meconopsis simplicifolia var. baileyi is a perennial poppy forming a basal rosette with tall, upright, leafless flower stems. The basal leaves are hairy, toothed or lobed and are deciduous, sometimes taking a bronze tint. It prefers partial shade with shelter from hot sun and a reliably cool, humus-rich soil. Flowers appear in the UK from May to July.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Meconopsis simplicifolia

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 simplicifolia var. baileyi is a perennial in the Papaveraceae that produces a ground-hugging rosette of hairy, toothed or lobed leaves and then sends up erect, leafless flowering stems. It originates from central Nepal and southeastern Tibet and retains traits suited to cool, sheltered sites: deciduous basal foliage that can show a bronze tint, and flowers that rise well above the leaves. For cultivation in the UK choose a north- or east-facing, sheltered position, out of direct afternoon sun. Plant into deep, humus-rich leafy loam that remains reliably moist and cool yet drains freely; the clone dislikes lime and is best on acid to neutral soil. Hardiness is H6–H7, meaning it is very to fully hardy across typical UK winters when given adequate shelter and moisture-retentive, organic soil. Use Sikkim poppy in shaded or semi-shaded mixed borders and woodland beds where soil conditions can be kept cool; under deciduous trees or beside shaded paths work well. Expect the characteristic blue or purple flowers from May to July, carried on tall, bare stems above the basal rosette.

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 simplicifolia var. baileyi 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
Native to: Central Nepal, Southeastern Tibet

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Meconopsis simplicifolia var. baileyi

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 simplicifolia var. baileyi?

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 simplicifolia var. baileyi?

Meconopsis simplicifolia var. baileyi prefers partial shade; needs shelter from hot sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Meconopsis simplicifolia var. baileyi need?

Meconopsis simplicifolia var. baileyi 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 simplicifolia var. baileyi?

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 simplicifolia var. baileyi hardy in the UK?

Meconopsis simplicifolia var. baileyi 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 simplicifolia var. baileyi?

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 →