How far south can you grow Meconopsis ( Blue Poppy)?

Inglezinho · February 2021

I would love to have some of these, but the only really good ones I have seen have been in Scotland and the Lake District. I also believe they prefer acid soil. Is this right?

Perki · February 2021

Yes that's correct . More chance of them growing on the west side of the country including wales not sure about south west probably to warm and dry that far south. They like moist but free draining conditions in part shade best shaded from afternoon sun . I have some so you can count South east Lancashire someone else may say they have some further south

rachelQrtJHBjb · February 2021

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/e9/zrnyrnin92sm.jpg

I took this at Hergest Croft garden, which is in the Welsh Marches. They also grow in the 'Hidden Gardens' section of The Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park. They enjoy all the conditions @Perki described above but I also believe humidity plays a part.

I have a feeling I have also seen them at Beth Chatto's (Essex) but it's been a good 8-10 years since I've been there.

I cannot believe you wouldn't find them as far down as the south west due to the much higher rainfall they experience compared with the south east. Bet Keith Wiley grows them at Wildside (nr Yelverton, Devon).

JennyJ · February 2021

I think it's more about conditions than how far north or south you are. I can't grow them here (South Yorkshire, sandy soil, a lot less rain than places at the same latitude but further west) but only about 50 miles north at Harlow Carr they have loads.

punkdoc · February 2021

I grow them in Sheffield, but they do require a lo of nurturing. This would not be their natural habitat.

JennyJ · February 2021

There you go, Sheffield is a bit south of me, but also further west and significantly wetter

. Complete non-starter here.

Inglezinho · February 2021

Thanks for your comments. Much as I love them, I don't think they would like our conditions. Not that far from Doncaster !

Nanny Beach · February 2021

I live in SE UK, not far from the sea, have bought quite a few, blooming expensive, put them in acid soil,semi shade, etc, how many have I ever grown, NONE!!!

bertrand-mabel · February 2021

We gave them all the correct conditions needed and we had one plant that flowered and never saw it again. Here in our garden in Somerset we have clay soils so had to make a new bed for the plants after they had germinated. We have tried over many years and now bow down to the fact that we just can't grow them here. A great pity as the blue colour is so brilliant.

JennyJ · February 2021

Inglezinho said:

Thanks for your comments. Much as I love them, I don't think they would like our conditions. Not that far from Doncaster !

If we're allowed to travel by then, take yourself to Harlow Carr in May or early June and feast your eyes on theirs. If not, maybe next year.

REMF33 · March 2021

Oh dear. I just had some delivered this week and have more on the way. I should have done my homework first. I am guessing they will be fine outside now then? (But probably won't work for me as I am in London!)I will give these my best shot and give the others to my mother. She is in Sheffield but has grown them before. (althlugh she is not in a position to nurture them these days...)
I just potted the ones I have on but in multipurpose. Should I re-pot them in ericacious?

How far south can you grow Meconopsis ( Blue Poppy)?

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