Meconopsis plants species and seeds
If you are looking for beautiful blue flowering poppies, then Meconopsis is the group of poppies to explore. They are particular about growing conditions, however this does not stop gardeners from trying to master the art of growing them.
Some of the most sought after poppies are the from the this group. They are also some of the most difficult to grow. It is the blue flowering types that gardeners dream about, wonderful clear blue flowers.
So although these are a magical plant from the Himalayas, they are also a challenge to gardeners. The problem is that they require cool damp conditions, they prove difficult to grow in the south of England, so those in warmer climates will really struggle.
Are they worth the effort? Defiantly, if you can get the blue flowering species to flower and thrive, your garden will will be a poppy heaven and you will have achieved greatness. We have flowered them once in our garden, and that was from a plant started by an ‘expert’.
How to grow Meconopsis Varieties.
Most gardeners are after the blue flowering varieties, and these are difficult in our warm climate. In general, the higher up you live the easier they will be to grow.
- Try growing them in the coolest position in the garden.
- Look for a position that faces the south, so no hot sun at any time.
- Prepare the soil well before planting. They need a soil that does not dry out in summer (or at any other time), however they also need good drainage.
- Provide good dappled shade, however not really deep dark shade.
Widely called ‘poppies’ Meconopsis as a varied group of plants and include species and cultivars such as :
- Meconopsis betonicifolia or the ‘Himalayan Blue Poppy’ – Will reach around 80 cm in height and really requires cool conditions.
- Meconopsis cambrica or ‘Welsh Poppy’,
- Meconopsis grandis or ‘Tibetan Poppy’
- The hybrid Meconopsis ‘Lingholm’
- Meconopsis sheldonii.
- Mecanopsis integrifolia a yellow flowering species.
Meconopsis are available form sale from the following growers
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au