Meconopsis betonicifolia |
Native Region: Tibet, South-western China, Burma
Zone Range: 7-8
Preferred Climate: Sub-alpine to temperate
Harvest Date: Sunday 04 August, 2024
Seed count: 25-30
Description:
This sought-after poppy is a short-lived perennial with rosettes of oblong, blue-green leaves which bears bright blue flowers with yellow stamens in early summer. Height 4 feet; spread 18 inches.
Notes:
All Meconopsis are open-pollinated in VanDusen Botanical Garden, and therefore may contain genetic material from a variety of species. The seeds have been collected from relatively isolated populations containing plants that most closely resemble the species type, but cannot be considered 'pure'.
While the moist cool climate of the southern British Columbian coast suits them well, gardeners in Edmonton, Canada (cold continental winters) to Australia (subtropical climate) have had success in growing and flowering these wonderful plants. For some people, growing these plants is a great challenge, for others it is easy. Either way, the stunning blue flowers make everyone want to try.
Cultivation:
For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant. Sow seed in containers in early spring in a cold frame. Cold stratification may improve germination. M. betonicifolia is a biennial, or short lived perennial. Some recommend preventing it from flowering the first year as it may cause the plant to perennialize. Grow in humusy moist but well-drained slightly acidic soil in part shade.
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