Monday 2 June 2014

Himalayan Poppy

 
Well, the Nisparo bearing fruit for the first time was enough cause for celebration, but we have had another first in our garden.
 
One of the flower heads outside our lounge window
 
Although they have never been a problem to grow in anyone elses garden, success with the simple but beautiful Himalayan Poppy, Meconopsis betonicifolia, has for some reason or another always eluded us. We have tried everything, but they have never lasted more than a few months, and certainly never flowered. We bought some more last spring, never being ones to give up, and they not only survived the summer and winter, but the flowerless clumps matured, and slowly grew in size.
We are now the proud parents of several clusters of two feet high blue poppies.
 
I think champagne is called for!
 
 


18 comments:

  1. Hello Gary,

    Certainly a cause for celebration.....and basking in the blue gorgeousness of it all. This is definitely a star performer in the plant world and your patience has been rewarded. Bravo!

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    Replies
    1. Dear Jane and Lance,
      Meconopsis are something that we have always wanted to grow in our garden. They really are an exceptional blue in colour. I only hope that they will continue to get stronger.

      Delete
  2. Looks fine to me....This year Poppies next year Hemp... for rope making of course.

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  3. I want one
    Ee only have the pretty yellow welsh poppies in the garden ..the blue isacracker

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    Replies
    1. Hi John,
      Yellow Welsh poppies are beautiful as well, but you are right, these are stunners. If I can collect some seed, I shall post some to you.

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  4. Congratulations! I think those are such a beautiful flower. Blues are a favorite of mine in the garden.

    Enjoy ~ FlowerLady

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    Replies
    1. Good morning Lorraine,
      Thanks, and yes, they are beautiful. They have a slight mauve tinge as they age as well. A winner in our books.

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  5. Glad you succeeded in growing them. They are beautiful. I have never tried as our summers are far too hot and beside our soil is basic but wish we could grow them!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Alain,
      It's rather strange, we can grow them elsewhere without too much trouble. I think what did it this time was keeping the foliage dry, and yet the soil slightly moist during the winter. That and keeping the cats off them.

      Delete
  6. You are so lucky, what a beautiful flower.

    cheers, parsnip

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Parsnip,
      We only hope that they will continue to survive.

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  7. I have tried these damn things for about ten years if not longer and have never had any luck. Congratulations you two I guess this is your year in the garden.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Doc,
      You as well? Then you know the pain that there is to feel eh? Give it another go.

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  8. I love poppies of any colour, so delicate.
    Briony
    x

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    Replies
    1. Absolutely Briony. I don't think there is an ugly poppy.

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  9. Replies
    1. They are stunning, aren't they Sherlock?

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