MECONOPSIS 'LINGHOLM'
With large, sky-blue flowers, this fertile hybrid was discovered on the Lingholm estate in the Lake District. It is a longer-lived perennial than other cultivars and grows well from seed. Best sown with freshly gathered seeds in late summer; don't sow too thickly, as it is notorious for damping off, and overwinter it in a cold frame. These blue poppies grow only in the cooler parts of Britain, and so thrive at Lowther with its damp summers and average temperatures of 18°C. A truly magical plant. AGM*.
Height and spread 75cm × 50cm.
Origin M. betonicifolia × M. grandis (species Himalaya and western China).
Conditions Moist, well-drained, organically rich soil, preferably slightly acidic; part shade.
Hardiness RHS H5, USDA 5a-7b†.
Season of interest May through June.
