Meconopsis napaulensis hybrids
(Satin Poppy)

Family - Papaveraceae
Category - Perennial, Monocarp
Origin - Central Nepal
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer
Hardiness - H5
Height - 1.5m or more
Width - 90cm
Location - The Stream Area

Description: A monocarpic herbaceous Perennial with a clump-forming habit. Leaves are held in striking basal rosettes for 2-4 years before flowering stems are produced. The plant will die after flowering and setting seed. Mid-green to yellow-green leaves are oblong to lanceolate in shape with pinnatifid lobing. The basal rosettes can reach 60cm in diameter. The leaves on the flowering stems (once they are produced) develop more pinnatisect lobing. The foliage and the flower buds are densely covered in orange bristles. Nodding to outward-facing, bowl-shaped flowers are in varying shades of pink, red, yellow, or purple (rarely white). Each Bloom has a central cluster of stamens with golden Anthers and a proud, yellow-green stigma. The Blooms are held in impressive, upright Racemes (and in a cluster at the tip of the stem) and are produced over a long period from early to late summer. The flowers are followed by densely bristled seed Capsules.

Additional common name - Nepal Poppy

Synonyms - Meconopsis paniculata, M. wallichii

Flower:

Nodding to outward-facing, bowl-shaped flowers are in varying shades of pink, red, yellow, or purple (rarely white). At the centre of each bloom is a prominent cluster of stamens with golden anthers and a proud, yellow-green stigma. The flowers are held in upright racemes(and in a cluster at the tip of the stem) and produced from June through August. The flowers are followed by densely bristled seed capsules. Plants generally take 2-4 years to produce flowers and will die after setting seed (Monocarpic).

Flower colour: Yellow, red, pink, purple

Flower shape: Bowl-shaped flowers in racemes

Flowering time: June, July, August

Foliage:

Mid-green to yellow-green leaves are oblong to lanceolate in shape with pinnatifid lobing around the margins. The leaves are held in large basal rosettes than can reach 60cm in diameter. The rosettes persist for 2-4 years before flowering. Once the flowering stems are produced the leaves are held in opposite pairs and have more pinnatisect lobing. The foliage is covered in orange bristles.

Foliage Senescence: Evergreen

Foliage Shape: Oblong to lanceolate, lobed

Propagation:

Seed.

Cultivation:

Best in partial shade in a fertile, moist, acidic soil with good drainage. This Meconopsis prefers a sheltered position that stays relatively cool during the summer months.