Meconopsis betonicifolia (Blue Poppy)

Noted for its beauty and grandeur, Meconopsis betonicifolia (Blue Poppy) is a short-lived perennial boasting large, silky, cup-shaped, clear blue flowers, 3-4 in. wide (8-10 cm), with contrasting golden stamens and a short ivory-white style.

Noted for its beauty and grandeur, Meconopsis betonicifolia (Blue Poppy) is a short-lived perennial boasting large, silky, cup-shaped, clear blue flowers, 3-4 in. wide (8-10 cm), with contrasting golden stamens and a short ivory-white style. Borne in succession on erect leafy stems, the striking blossoms rise with majesty from a basal rosette of hairy, oblong leaves and give way to narrow seed pods. Occasionally monocarpic, Blue Poppy will bloom in summer, then make seeds and die. However, this clump-forming perennial will persist and flower year after year, if given suitable conditions and care. Planted in small groups, the delicate flowers will give a color punch to your shady borders and draw attention from late spring to early summer.

  • Grows in clumps up to 3-4 ft. tall (90 – 120cm) and spreads 12-24 in. (30-60 cm). Will happily self-seed in good growing conditions to create a lovely colony.
  • 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.
  • The acidity of the soil will impact the color of your poppies: the more alkaline the soil, the more purple the color will be.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and mulch round plants with garden compost or well-rotted manure.
  • Perfect for beds and borders, underplanting shrubs, cottage gardens, and woodland gardens.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Cut down to the base in late fall.
  • Propagate by seed or by division after flowering but can be short-lived.
  • May be affected by slugs and snails or downy mildew
  • Native to the Himalayas and surrounding regions.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 8

Heat Zones 5
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 17, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Meconopsis – Himalayan Poppy
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″
– 24″
(45cm
– 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage