Meconopsis Lingholm (Blue Poppy)

Prized for the beauty of its flowers, Meconopsis 'Lingholm' (Blue Poppy) is a short-lived perennial boasting large, cup-shaped, sky blue flowers, 3-4 in. wide (8-10 cm), with contrasting golden stamens. Blooming in early-mid summer, the splendid blossoms are borne on erect stems rising with majesty from a basal rosette of bristly, lanceolate, medium green leaves. This hybrid perennial poppy is fertile and gives way to narrow seed pods. Young leaves, stems, buds and seed capsules are clothed in long, golden hairs. Planted in small groups, the delicate flowers of this blue poppy will give a color punch to your shady borders and draw your attention. Parents of this hybrid are M. betonicifolia (Blue Poppy) and M. grandis (Himalayan Blue Poppy).

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm). This Blue Poppy will slowly spread by offsets in good growing conditions.
• 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.