Meconopsis X sheldonii

Blooms: spring, true blue, yellow stamen/ M. betonicifolia x grandis Zone 7-9 2'-3', China, part shade-sun, moist, well drained.

This magnificent plant was produced by a cross between M. grandis and M. betonicifolia in 1934. Of all the blue Himalayan poppies M. X sheldomii is the most vigorous and heat resistant. Clear vivid turquoise blue flowers are 3 - 4" across with a crown of dark gold stamens. Your heart will flutter the first time you see this dream-flower bloom. Here along the north coast (zone 16 & 17) we are lucky to have the cool summers and moist air that the "blue poppies" require. They also need humus rich soil, bright or high dappled shade or morning sun-afternoon shade. While it can be regarded as a true perennial, it is best not to let the young plants flower until before they have produced a second rosette of leaves and flowers to keep the plants in good health, they need division every few years in fall or spring.