Himalayan blue poppies are two of the two species in the Meconopsis genus of poppy plants. Meconopsis grandis is one, and Meconopsis baileyi (also called Meconopsis betonicifolia) is the other. The unusually delicate, bowl-shaped, blue blooms on this clump-forming perennial have yellow centers. In the late spring and early summer, the blooms appear in succession on the tall, leafy, bristly stems (which can reach a height of 4 feet), and they add a distinctive pop of colour to gloomy areas.
Meconopsis poppies can be distinguished from real poppies by their seed heads. They are long and slender rather than pepper pot-shaped.
Light
The Himalayan blue poppy’s natural environment consisted of moist woodland floors with dappled light. If these plants are exposed to very strong sunlight, they will not survive. They like a site with bright but filtered light and some shade.
They might still survive in a more sunny location if you reside in an area with very mild summer temperatures, but ideally, this would only expose them to early sun.
Soil
Blue poppies demand particularly specific types of soil. They require a soil type that is rich in organic matter, moist, but well-drained, in order to thrive. The ideal soils are loamy ones, and aficionados frequently add leaf matter to them to increase their fertility and prevent stagnation.
They also exhibit unexpected pH sensitivity. Before planting, a soil test is advised because they require a neutral to slightly acidic type. The blossoms turn purple instead of blue when there is too much alkalinity, which can have an effect on growth.
Water
Throughout their growth cycle in the late spring and summer, blue poppies need to be kept regularly moist. They love to stay dry in the winter, so further watering is typically not needed.
Temperature and Humidity
The hot and humid southern states are not the best places to grow blue poppies. These plants thrive best in temperate areas with moderate summer temperatures.
Fertilizer
During the spring and summer growth season, you could use a small amount of slow-release granular fertilizer if your soil hasn’t been sufficiently improved with manure, compost, or leaf mold.
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