Jessie Keith
Family
Papaveraceae
Botanical Name
Meconopsis betonicifolia
Plant Common Name
Himalayan Blue Poppy
General Description
One of the renowned blue poppies, which make an astonishing display in cool, moist gardens, Meconopsis betonicifolia is native to the eastern Himalyas. In early summer large, nodding to horizontal, poppy-like flowers appear at the tips and in the axils of leafy stems that may reach head-high. Although they may be a luminous clear sky-blue, in some forms they are of rosy hue. A central boss of yellow-anthered stamens ornaments the four-petaled flowers. Oblong seed capsules follow the blooms. The long, narrowly oval leaves have coarse teeth, rust-colored hairs, and a blunt base. Basal leaves are stalked; upper leaves are smaller and clasp the stem. The leaves wither away in fall. Plants are usually long-lived but may die after flowering. Blue-flowered forms provide an awe-inspiring early summer display in gardens that can meet their rather exacting needs. Look for blue-flowered selections and for hybrids with M. grandis, which usually go under the name M. × sheldonii. Asian Meconopsis need cool summers and chilly winters, doing best in dappled shade and moist humus-rich soil. Blue forms are bluest in acidic soil. These plants perish in hot or dry climates. A loose airy winter mulch may be beneficial. A massed planting is unforgettable, especially in the company of other moisture-lovers such as Japanese primroses.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
5 - 1
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Sunset Zone
A1, A2, A3, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 17
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m
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Width
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Early Summer
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Native To
Southern Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Blue, Rose
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Fruit Color
Green, Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Blue Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
