MECONOPSIS (Meconopsis)

DESCRIPTION: This group of plants may either be perennial, short-lived, or monocarpic (They die after blooming.). They belong to the Poppy family, Papaveraceae, and are grown for their beautiful flowers. The heights among the varieties differ considerably; the range is from 1 to 6 feet. M. betonicifolia (Blue Poppy) is an erect growing plant from China. The oblong, green leaves are hairy with serrated margins. The beautiful, large, blue flowers are produced in small clusters atop stout, leafy stems, in early summer. M. quintuplinervia (Harebell Poppy) is a native of China and Tibet. It has basal rosettes of lance-shaped, green leaves covered with golden or rusty hairs. The small, cup-shaped, pendant, lavender-blue flowers are borne singly on long, thin stems, in late spring and early summer. M. cambrica (Welch Poppy) is a pretty variety from the woodlands and mountain rocks of Western Europe. The Fern-like, fresh green leaves are deeply divided into irregular lobes. In the spring and summer, small, lemon yellow, golden yellow, or rich orange flowers with dainty petals are borne singly atop slender stems. M. integrifolia (Lampshade Poppy) is another beautiful variety that originally comes from Upper Burma, Tibet and western China. The pale green, lance-shaped leaves are covered with reddish-orange hairs. The large, brilliant yellow flowers are borne in branched clusters on long, bristly stems in late spring and early summer.

POTTING: These plants need cool summers to thrive; they won't survive in warm, dry climates. Grow them in moist, leafy, humus-rich, acidic soil. They should be planted in shade or partial shade, in a cool, sheltered position.

PROPAGATION: These plants may be increased by division after they bloom or by sowing fresh seed in late summer. They should be sown in light, sandy soil enriched with well-rotted leaf mold or peat moss. Keep them in a shaded cold frame or cool greenhouse and cover the containers with sheets of paper. When they are 2 inches high, transfer them to flats of soil until they are large enough to plant outside.

VARIETIES: M. betonicifolia; M. cambrica; M. aculeata; M. grandis & var. Branklyn; M. integrifolia; M. napaulensis; M. paniculata; M. punicea; M. quintuplinervia; M. superba.

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