Harlow Carr is one of serveral sites across the country that has been chosen to grow 23 cultivars of meconopsis - more commonly known as the blue poppy because of its beautiful, vibrant hue. The trial will run over a 3 year period - the first trial assessment took place yesterday (Tuesday 17th May) and the trial committee were very pleased with the results so far. The conditions in the garden are ideal for this notoriously difficult to grow flower, making it a rather rare and extremely special sight. The first meconopsis to flower was Meconopsis grandis ex psw on 22nd April 2011.
Meconopsis Inverewe
All of the plants are derived from the Himalayan form of meconopsis poppy and the cultivars have been developed over a period of time. The plants require a slightly acidic based growing medium that is well drained, and a sheltered site out of the wind, in a cool part of the garden that receives filtered and not strong, direct sunlight.
The cultivars are now in full bloom at Harlow Carr, and with a life expected to extend for another couple of weeks, now is the perfect time to come down and enjoy the sight of these rare beauties.