Meconopsis napaulensis (Satin Poppy)
Stately and easy to grow, Meconopsis napaulensis (Satin Poppy) is a short-lived perennial boasting tall racemes of nodding, shallowly cup-shaped, yellow, pink, red, or white flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), in late spring to early summer. The blossoms are borne on erect, slender stems arising from a basal rosette of oblong to lance-shaped, deeply lobed leaves felted with silvery hairs. The bold evergreen foliage is quite beautiful and is worth growing for the leaves alone. A clump of Satin Poppies is a pretty sight in the late spring garden and the evergreen rosettes add winter interest. This plant is monocarpic: it sets seeds and dies after flowering. However, Satin Poppy is easy to grow from seed. It will take it between 2-5 years to flower.
- Grows in clumps up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
- Prefers part shade in humus-rich, neutral to slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils. Make sure the soil has plenty of organic matter. Do not allow the soil to dry out during the growing season.
- This plant does not respond well to high summer heat and humidity but thrives in areas with cool damp summers. Shelter from cold, dry winds.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and mulch round plants with garden compost or well-rotted manure.
- Perfect for beds and borders, cottage gardens, and woodland gardens.
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- May be affected by slugs and snails or downy mildew. Root rot will occur in poorly drained soils.
- Native to Eastern Asia – the Himalayas to China, Nepal, and Szechwan.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8 – 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 8 – 9 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Meconopsis – Himalayan Poppy |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early) |
Height | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36″ (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |