Meconopsis betonicifolia (Blue poppy)

Botanical name

Meconopsis betonicifolia

Other names

Himalayan poppy, Tibetan poppy, China blue, Blue poppy, Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis baileyi

Genus

Meconopsis Meconopsis

Species

M. betonicifolia - M. betonicifolia is a deciduous perennial, with rosettes of hairy bluish-green leaves and bowl-shaped, blue, purple-blue or white flowers, borne singly on bristly stalks in summer.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Open stems

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

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Colour

Flower

Pale-blue in Spring; Pale-blue in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Slugs , Snails

Specific diseases

Downy mildew

General care

Pruning

Cut to the ground in late autumn.

Propagation

Sow thinly in loam-less compost. Requires light for germination. Seedlings are prone to damping off.

Propagation methods

Seed, Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Meconopsis betonicifolia (Blue poppy) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Woodland, Underplanting

Cultivation

Grow in sheltered, partial shade in neutral to acid, moist but well-drained soil enriched with leaf mould or humus. Performs best in areas with cool, damp summers. Often short-lived.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade

Aspect

East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7