Meconopsis horridula

Meconopsis horridula (23/06/2013, Kew Garden, London)

Position: Dappled shade

Flowering period: Late spring to early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1m

Eventual Spread: 45cm

Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Papaveraceae

Meconopsis horridula is a deciduous monocarpic (flowers then dies) plant. Its mid green leaves are lanceolate to elliptical with entire margins, up to 20cm long, 25mm broad and appear as a basal rosette. Its stems, leaves and pedicels have spines on their surface. Its blue terminal flowers have four petals and are up to 8cm across. Its fruit is an erect green spiny oblong to elliptic pod. Its roots are fleshy taproot.

Meconopsis horridula, commonly known as the Prickly Blue Poppy, is native to south eat Tibet and central and eastern Himalayas and west China. In its native habitat it grows on rocky ground and grassy slopes at an altitude of between 3,100m – 6,000m.

The etymological root of the binomial name Meconopsis is derived from the Greek meaning ‘Poppy like’. Horridula is derived from the Latin horridum meaning ‘ bristly’.

Meconopsis horridula Flower (23/06/2013, Kew Garden, London)

The landscape architect may find Meconopsis horridula useful as a part of a woodland understory planting scheme. This plant prefers a shelters location. Due to its monocarpic nature it will need to be replanted every couple of years, unless it successfully self seeds. Once established this plant is drought tolerant.

Ecologically, Meconopsis horridula is attractive to pollinating insects.

Meconopsis horridula prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acid pH of soil.

Meconopsis horridula requires little maintenance.