Are Himalayan blue poppies rare?

True blue flowering plants are rare in the natural world, but the Himalayan blue poppy is an exception. It derives its blue color from the pigment delphinidin combined with the plant’s ability to maintain acidic conditions inside the plant cells.

When should I plant meconopsis?

Meconopsis seed has short term viability. Late summer and autumn sowing gives best germination in about three weeks but seedlings then need to be overwintered in a cold frame or similar.

Are Himalayan poppies perennial?

Himalayan poppies are notoriously short-lived, but this strain has been bred to be a perennial, so it should endure for many seasons. Lift, divide and replant every few years to ensure continuity.

Can you get blue poppies?

Himalayan blue poppies don’t have the reputation for being the easiest of plants to grow, but we all enjoy a challenge. The popular name ‘Himalayan blue poppy’ is usually applied to the blue form which grows quite tall (3-5ft, 1-1.5m) and most have beautiful blue flowers.

Are Himalayan blue poppies real?

Blue Himalayan poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia) looks just like you might expect, like a poppy but in a striking shade of cool blue. These perennials grow tall, 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) While they do resemble other poppies, these plants are not true poppies at all.

What color is a Himalayan poppy?

Himalayan blue poppy
The Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis grandis, has sky blue-colored petals, although the anthocyanidin nucleus of the petal pigment is cyanidin.

How do you look after a Meconopsis?

How to care for Meconopsis. During the summer, it is important that Meconopsis are watered regularly as when the soil becomes too dry, they may incur a powdery mildew. Meconopsis would benefit from a liquid fertiliser every fortnight throughout active growth – this will encourage energetic growth and optimum health.

How long do blue poppies take to grow?

about two to four weeks
It should take about two to four weeks for blue poppy to germinate at 12 to 18 degrees Celsius. Once growing the seedlings should be watered from beneath. Once ready transplant the young Meconopsis plants at a spacing of 30 cm (small) to 75 to 90 cm (large) apart. This should be done following the last frost of spring.

Are blue poppies easy to grow?

The climate and conditions have to be just right to grow Himalayan blue poppy plants successfully, and even then it can be challenging. The best results are seen in areas that are cool and moist with excellent drainage and soil that is slightly acidic.

How do you grow a blue Himalayan poppy?

Blue Poppies demand a rich well draining soil in an area of partial shade. If planting a single plant, dig a large hole about 18 inches by 18 inches deep. Mix one part compost or well rotted manure, one part fine bark mulch (composted for 2 – 3 months, if possible), and two parts original soil.

How tall is the Himalayan blue poppy?

4 ft. tall
How to Grow Blue Poppy Plants

Botanical Name Meconopsis betonicifolia or Meconopsis baileyi
Common Name Blue Poppy. Himalayan Blue Poppy
Plant Type Perennial, Herbaceous
Mature Size Up to 4 ft. tall
Sun Exposure Part Shade

What conditions do Meconopsis like?

Meconopsis are best planted in moist, well-drained soil of clay and loam within an acidic or neutral PH setting. Amend the planting area with compost or well-rotted manure and work a slow release fertiliser into your soil.

What does a Himalayan blue poppy look like?

Himalayan Blue Poppy Noted for its astonishing blue poppy flowers, Meconopsis baileyi (Himalayan Blue Poppy) is a short-lived, clump-forming perennial boasting large, silky, cup-shaped, clear blue flowers, 3-4 in. wide (8-10 cm), with contrasting golden stamens and a short ivory-white style.

Is this Meconopsis Poppy an oriental poppy?

There is something about this that is magic and our sympathies if you live where this cannot be grown which is about anywhere it gets hot and/or humid in the summer. This Meconopsis is not an Oriental Poppy. Forget we said the word ‘Poppy’ because everything that makes an Oriental Poppy happy will surely kill this aristocrat.

What does Meconopsis Marit look like?

MECONOPSIS ‘Marit’ (divisions) selection from Tromso with cream flowers, like a cream-white x Sheldonii. The finest of this shade. MECONOPSIS ‘Mervin Kessell’ (Infertile Blue Group) Huge blue flowers on tall stems in June. Divisions from clumps in our garden.

What is Meconopsis paniculata?

MECONOPSIS paniculata Monocarpic Masses of yellow flowers. From a new area: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. MECONOPSIS superba Huge silvery rosettes, beautiful large white flowers.