Meconopsis superba — Rosette-forming with tall upright flower stems

Overview

Meconopsis superba 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 superba 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 China.

About

Meconopsis superba is a rosette-forming perennial in the poppy family that sends up tall, upright flower stems from a basal leaf rosette. The basal leaves are deciduous, hairy and toothed or lobed, sometimes showing a bronze tint. It flowers in the UK from May to July and prefers partial shade with shelter from hot sun. Plant in deep, humus-rich, leafy loam that stays cool and moist but drains freely.

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

A perennial native to China, Meconopsis superba produces a basal rosette of hairy, toothed or lobed leaves and elevates its flowers on tall, upright stems. The foliage is deciduous and can show a bronze tint. Flowering takes place in the UK from May to July. Sit it in partial shade on a north- or east-facing site where it will be sheltered from drying winds and direct afternoon sun. It needs a deep, leafy loam rich in humus and prefers acid to neutral pH; avoid lime-heavy ground. The soil must remain reliably moist and cool while still draining freely to prevent waterlogging around the rosette. Hardiness is H6–H7, which in plain terms means it tolerates very hardy to fully hardy UK conditions, provided it has shelter and stable, cool root conditions. Use it towards the back of a shaded border or tucked into a woodland margin where tall flower stems can rise above lower companions. Expect the tall, upright stems to appear from the hairy, toothed basal rosette and carry the plant's May to July display.

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 superba 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: China

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Meconopsis superba

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 superba?

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 superba?

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

What soil does Meconopsis superba need?

Meconopsis superba 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 superba?

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 superba hardy in the UK?

Meconopsis superba 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 superba?

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 →