The blue poppy is one of the truly stunning blue flowers to grace any garden. I predict a growth in interest in Meconopsis over the next few years as nurserymen increase saleable stock following some intensive nation wide trials.

Cultivation and Propagation of Meconopsis

• The family contains perennials and monocarpic plants that die after flowering.
• Soil should be neutral to acidic with plenty of humus.
• I find they need plenty of moisture and are often grown alongside streams.
• Meconopsis, are hardy but often short lived, preferring shade and a cool position to full sun.
• Grow from fresh seed. Clump forming Meconopsis sheldonii should be divided every 3 years

Species and Varieties

• Meconopsis grandis can grow 3-5′ tall with stout stems bearing nodding cup-shaped blue flowers.
• Mecanopsis cambrica, quintuplinervia and cultivars can be propagated by division.
• Meconopsis paniculata is shortlived after producing racemes of unusual yellow flowers.
• Meconopsis napaulese the satin poppy can be 6′ tall and bear blue, pink or red flowers.
• Meconopsis integrifolia the Lampshade poppy, is a rosette forming yellow poppy.

Meconopsis Trials and Links

• You can see the RHS trials of 23 different varieties and cultivars at Harlow Carr Harrogate, Rosemoor and Wisley.
• Other sites at Windermere and Stirling are also running trials.
• The Meconopsis group has a lot of pictures and further information
• Meconopsis from Thompson Morgan

See more pictures and books on the subject of Meconopsis