Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full shade, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, west facing
Position in border:
Middle
Shade type:
Damp

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Acidic / Boggy / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Meconopsis is a genus of plants in the poppy family, the most common of which grown in Britain are the Welsh poppy, Meconopsis cambrica, and the Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis baileyi. The flowers are a similar shape and structure to true poppies, but they can be identified as meconopsis by their seedheads. Rather than 'pepper pot' seedheads typical of true poppies, meconopsis seedheads are thin and long.

Meconopsis baileyi bears spectacular, bowl-shaped blue flowers with bright yellow centres, in late spring to early summer. It makes a dramatic statement when grown en masse, and does best when grown in moist, neutral to acid soil in a partially shaded spot. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyesyes

Meconopsis and wildlife

Meconopsis is known for attracting bees and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Meconopsis poisonous?

Meconopsis has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Meconopsis baileyi
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