Meconopsis

( mee - kon - NOP - siss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus, commonly called Blue Poppy, includes many sought-after flowering herbaceous perennials that need partial to full shade and regular waterings to perform and bloom well. They can be a bit difficult to grow as they are sensitive to sunlight, strong wind, and wet soil conditions. These plants produce clumps of green foliage that send up stems of flowers in brilliant colors including blue, purple, yellow, and orange, and will self-sow if not deadheaded, though they are not considered invasive. Grow these beauties in a sheltered spot in the garden in shade or dappled sunlight. They do well in mixed beds and borders as well as in pollinator, informal, cottage, and cut flower gardens.

Meconopsis Species and Varietals

The genus Meconopsis is a member of the plant family Papaveraceae and includes around 100 distinct species. Plants in this genus are closely related to those in Papaver (Poppy). Meconopsis growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the following descriptions. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Meconopsis autumnalis (Nepalese Autumn Poppy)
This species produces light yellow flowers, and is native to central Nepal. They grow in sub-alpine environments along streams, grassy slopes, and in forest openings. Flowering occurs between late July and September in the species' native range. They are suited for USDA hardiness zones 6a-9b.

Meconopsis aculeata (Blue Poppy, Himalayan Blue Poppy, Spiny Blue Poppy, Bristle Poppy, Vanita, वनीता, Kanta, कान्ता Neela Posta)
This thorny, blue-flowering species is native to Pakistan and India. The rare species is highly valued as a medicinal plant in its native range, and is currently at-risk due to over-harvesting for this purpose. Flowers are blue to pinkish-blue with yellow centers. Individual plants reach up to 1 to 2 feet tall when mature. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-7.

Meconopsis bella (Pretty Blue Poppy)
This species of alpine poppy is native to Nepal and southeastern Tibet and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-7. It naturally grows in rock crevices and along grassy cliff edges. Flowers are blue to pinkish-blue, purple, or pink, and can be hairless or bristly. Individual plants reach up to 4 inches tall when mature and in bloom.

Meconopsis betonicifolia (Meconopsis baileyi) (Himalayan Poppy, Tibetan Poppy, Blue Poppy, Himalayan Blue Poppy)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-7 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-6 and 17 and is native to the Himalayas. It can reach 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide at maturity when in bloom. Foliage is green and hairy and flowers are sky-blue with yellow stamens, blooming in late spring to early summertime. When grown in less-than-ideal conditions, flowers will be more mauve-colored than true blue.

Meconopsis cambrica (Papaver cambricum) (Welsh Poppy, Yellow Poppy)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-9 and 14-17 and is native to western Europe. Individual plants reach 1-2 feet tall and about half as wide. Flowers are orange to yellow and bloom in late spring through fall. In cool-summer areas it can tolerate full sun conditions, but otherwise prefers somewhat sheltered, partially shaded areas. Cultivars include 'Double Yellow' and 'Frances Perry' (with red blooms). This species is considered invasive in England, Scotland, and the Pacific Northwest of North America (including Washington State in the U.S., British Colombia, and Vancouver, Canada).

Meconopsis grandis (Himalayan Blue Poppy, Tibetan Blue Poppy, Asiatic Poppy, Large-Flowered Green Velvet Herb, 大花绿绒蒿)
This species is native to China, Bhutan, northeastern India, and Nepal and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. These hardy perennials produce large (4-6 in.) showy pure blue flowers with yellow centers and reach up to 2 to 4 feet tall when mature and in bloom. These are highly valued as garden ornamentals, but are difficult to grow in most garden conditions. These flowers prefer evenly cool temperatures and shady conditions and somewhat acidic soil that remains reliably moist. Choice garden cultivars include 'Bobby Masterson', and 'Mrs. Jebb'.

Meconopsis horridula (Prickly Blue Poppy, Tibetan Poppy)
This species is endangered, and grows at high altitudes; it is suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-8. Leaf and inflorescence structure are variable. Stems and pedicels have sharp spines. Flowers bloom in shades of blue or red-blue, and are rarely white. Individual plants reach up to 18-24 inches tall. This is the most bristly-haired of all Meconopsis species.

Caring for Meconopsis

Meconopsis, or Blue Poppy, can be purchased as seed or starts from a reputable nursery, though they can be quite difficult to find. They naturally grow in woodland environments, and appreciate a space in the landscape that receives dappled sunlight during the day. They will not flower or perform well if they get too much sun. Try to position them in a spot that gets partial shade with bright, indirect light. Ensure that they get a good amount of shade during the warmest hours of the day. Soil needs to be well-draining and rich in organic matter and nutrients. They appreciate a soil pH of between 4.5 and 6.7 (on the acidic side of neutral). Soils that are too alkaline will cause blooms to emerge purple-pink rather than blue. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Water newly planted Meconopsis flowers regularly as they establish a strong root system. They appreciate consistently moist soils throughout their active growth periods in spring and summertime. In winter during their dormancy, they prefer more dry conditions; no supplemental watering is needed.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Plants in their first year should have their buds pinched off so that more of their energy is sent into their root system. This will ensure that they will produce the largest and most colorful blooms possible the following growing season. Depending on the species grown, plants can be considered either short-lived or long-lived perennials. Short-lived species can be replaced when they fade, and do not need to be divided, as they do not have a long lifespan. Longer-lived species can be divided every so often to improve root zone space and overall plant health. For information on how to divide Blue Poppies, see the Propagation section below. Himalayan Blue Poppies typically survive in the landscape for between 2 and 5 years, but most are monocarpic, only blooming once before dying.

Propagation

Meconopsis, or Blue Poppy, flowers can either be propagated via seed or through division. To ensure that you will get a plant that is genetically identical to its parent, use the division method. If you'd like to experiment and see what you can grow, or if you are cultivating a short-lived species, the seed option is more appropriate. To propagate your Blue Poppy plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Meconopsis by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
In either late winter or early springtime, get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Meconopsis by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Meconopsis pods are spiny and domed, containing between 50 and 200 seeds.

Meconopsis seeds are small, dark brown and kidney-shaped.

Problems and Pests

Certain Meconopsis species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Meconopsis, or Blue Poppy, plants in the garden can have issues with the following pests and diseases: