Meconopsis

( mee - kon - NOP - siss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering herbaceous perennials needs partial to full shade and regular water. 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 foliage that send up stems of flowers in brilliant colors, and will self-sow if not deadheaded, though they are not considered invasive. 

Meconopsis Species and Varietals

The genus Meconopsis is a member of the plant family Papaveraceae and includes around 100 distinct species. 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 forest openings. Flowering occurs between late July and September.

Meconopsis aculeata 
This thorny, blue-flowering species is native to Pakistan and India. The 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.

Meconopsis bella (Pretty Blue Poppy)
This species of alpine poppy is native to Nepal and southeastern Tibet, where it grows in rock crevices and grassy cliff edges. Flowers are blue to pinkish-blue, purple, or pink, and can be hairless or bristly.

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

Meconopsis cambrica (Welsh Poppy)
This species grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-17 and is native to western Europe. Reaches 1-2 feet tall and half as wide. Flowers are orange or yellow and bloom in late spring to fall. In cool-summer areas it can tolerate full sun conditions, but otherwise prefers 

Meconopsis grandis (Himalayan Blue Poppy)
This species is native to China, Bhutan, northeastern India, and Nepal. These hardy perennials produce large, showy pure blue flowers with yellow centers. These are 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)
This species is endangered, and grows at high altitudes. It varies in leaf and inflorescence structure. Stems and pedicels have sharp spines. Flowers are typically in shades of blue or reddish-blue, and are rarely white. 

Caring for Meconopsis

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Meconopsis
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 000 - 000, Meconopsis
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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