Meconopsis
| (Papaveraceae). Himalayan Blue Poppy. Genus of about 45 species of clump forming deciduous or evergreen perennials grown for their beautiful flowers. Occur in moist, shady mountainous areas, alpine meadows, woodland, scrub, scree and rocky slopes in the Himalayas, Burma and China and one species from W. Europe. Flowers face outwards, four blue petals, central cushion of yellow anthers, one per stem. Generally pendent, saucer to cup shaped, poppy like and silky with numerous stamens. Usually hairy or bristly they produce basal rosettes of pinnate or simple leaves which may be entire, toothed, lobed or pinnatisect. Some have fertile seeds which develop on stems which increase in length after flowering. Grow best in areas with cool, damp summers. Good for moist peat bed or terrace, or a cool woodland garden. Humus-rich, moist, neutral-slightly acid soil. Divide every three years to maintain vigour.
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