Meconopsis: The Blue Poppy

We are so delighted to have these rare blue poppies in stock for our customers’ gardens! Here is some incredibly valuable information from the grower, John Tsutakawa:

INTRODUCTION TO THE BLUE POPPY

The blue poppy is dazzling—stunning in its rich colors. It is often referred to as the Himalayan or Tibetan blue poppy.  

The blue poppies grow in alpine (mountainous) and subalpine habitats in China, Nepal, Burma, Tibet, India and neighboring countries. They generally have cool wet summers and cold dry winters. Many grow in the open, exposed to sun on rocky hillsides. Some grow in forested areas in partial shade with richer soil.  

Types of Meconopsis

Blue poppies are part of the genus Meconopsis, which include not only blue flowers, but violet, red, yellow, white, and orange. There are around 40 species and a myriad of hybrids and varieties.  

The big blue poppies are the most available and easiest to grow. These include M. grandis, M. baileyii, and M. x ‘Lingholm’. They are perennial and will bloom each year as they develop into large clumps.  

There are other color variations of these perennial species including white and violet. These include M. grandis ‘Burgundy’, M. baileyii ‘Hensol Violet’, and M. baileyi alba. There are many hybrids.

There are other monocarpic species that grow for a few years, have one bloom and then die. These include the Horridula group that have spines from the leaves and produce blue or violet flowers. Other species including the brilliant red M. Punicea, the pink and red M. Naupalensis, various yellows, purples, and other shades.

GROWING IN THE BAY AREA

Cooler temperature is critical. The Bay Area has many microclimates. Meconopsis can grow in the cooler zones, including San Francisco, Pacifica, Daly City, and maybe Half Moon Bay. If your microclimate is too hot (over 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit regularly), it will be difficult to establish these plants as perennials. 

The Bay Area is dry in the summer and fall. The natural habitat for Meconopsis is the opposite—wet summers and dry winters. During summer, meconopsis may require daily or even twice daily watering (during heat waves). Gardeners need to be careful with winter wet and keep the dormant crowns damp, yet relatively dry and ventilated.

PLANTING CONDITIONS

Meconopsis need conditions and care to survive both summer and winter. When plants are grown in their natural habitat or one very close to those conditions, the plants thrive and multiply.  

Soil mix: Most sources suggest growing Meconopsis in a rich, moist soil with good drainage, and fall mulching with compost. However, because the Bay Area experiences wet, warm winters rather than cold, dry (under ice) winters, this may promote rotting out of semi-dormant crowns. Instead we recommend a higher drainage mix, using regular feeding and a gravel or pumice top dressing during winter with the crowns exposed to the open air. 

Planting in the ground: Again we recommend a soil mix with some organic but also good drainage.  The microclimate conditions (light, wind, soil moisture) for the specific locations are important. Growers often dig up and replant large clumps to encourage ongoing health.

Light and shade: In their natural habitat, some Meconopsis grow in full sun and exposure to the elements.  Several species can do well in partial shade or indirect light, which can serve as some protection from heat.  An eastern or northern exposure with little or morning sun might be more beneficial than a southern or western exposure with full midday or afternoon sun.

Protection from wind: The plants need protection from strong winds. Hot dry winds will desiccate the leaves. Strong winds can also break the tender petioles (the stems that attach leaf to stalk). Wind breaks and sheltered areas would be beneficial. However, slight wind is likely beneficial in terms of controlling moisture and strengthening the leaves and stems.

CARE: WATERING AND FEEDING

Regular watering: Meconopsis need to be kept moist during summer. Regular watering is necessary and may require daily watering during warm periods. Watering should be gentle, as a blast from a hose can break off leaves. Repeated dry periods tend to damage leaves and weaken the plant quickly.  

Feeding of the plants: Meconopsis are known as heavy feeders. Travelers note that the plants grow and bloom particularly well around yak manure, a rich source of nitrogen. Many books recommend rich composts and manures. However, due to wet bay area winters, leaner substrates with regular fertilization may work out better than a top dressing of rich soil or manure. Using a regular fertilizer and slow release fertilizer granules will give the plants ongoing nutrition for growth and bloom. Regular light feeding through blooming may also help the perennial species survive the flowering stage.

Potting up: Planting Meconopsis in larger pots promotes ongoing growth. The plants thrive from the fresh nutrients and increased root space. It is recommended to pot up regularly while the plant is still expanding and not wait until the plant stops.

Debudding and surviving the first bloom: While the monocarpic species will bloom and die after the first bloom, the perennial poppies can also perish if too much energy goes in to the first flowers and seeds.  Removing the first flowers allows the plant to direct more energy into side shoots and roots. For perennial types, this will increase the chance of survival and development into a larger plant with multiple flowers the following year. If you take the chance on the first bloom, make sure the conditions are as optimal as possible: regular watering, light feeding, and protection from excessive heat and drying winds.

Winter care and dormancy: In nature, Meconopsis are usually protected by a layer of ice and snow. These snow conditions are relatively dry and slow biological activity. Often the plants enter a dormant state with a crown at the surface or root buried underneath the ground level. 

In the Bay Area, the winters are wet and warm, which can cause rotting.  It helps to promote aeration, remove dead leaves, use a gravel or pumice top dressing, and keep moist.  Look for the surface crown and grow slightly exposed at the soil line. While dormant, they do not require special care but should not be allowed to completely dry out.

Note that some types will completely disappear (such as Meconopsis horridula types) and the root and crown will be safely buried under the surface.

Pests and diseases: Mold and mildew can be problematic, but this can be controlled by a timely dose of copper fungicide. Birds will sometimes pick seeds from seed pots; netting or physical protection may be needed.

PROPAGATION

Growing from seed: Meconopsis produce a lot of seed, and germination is relatively easy. There are a few that need cold weather or cold treatment, but many sprout under normal temperatures. Some hobbyists grow seedlings indoors under light. In the Bay Area, one can sprout outside where they are exposed to light wind and sun. This will make the seedlings stronger before pricking out. Care must be taken to protect seeds from birds, slugs, and scorching.  

After the second or third set of leaves, seedlings can be “pricked out” and planted individually. It is best to hold the seedling gently from a true leaf rather than by the stem. Seedlings should be gently tugged apart, allowing the roots to separate without major breakage. Similarly the root mass can be better separated as a clump of soil, rather than pulling on a single root. The soil mix can be compacted by gently tapping the pot on a hard surface, rather than directly pressing the soil. Seeds can be planted into a lean mix, with a pumice or perlite top dressing. Seedlings should be in high indirect light until established.

Seedlings can develop mildew, which may require fungicide to control. Slugs and snails can damage seedlings and tender shoots. Birds will sometimes eat seeds and damage seedlings. Take measures as needed.

Division: Large Meconopsis clumps can also be multiplied by separating and planting roots shoots and sections. This is required for the infertile hybrids that don’t create viable seed.

Growing on: Once established, Meconopsis grow steadily and benefit from feeding and potting up into larger size pots or into the ground. Care should be made in potting up minimize root damage.