Himalayan Blue Poppy 'Lingholm'

Meconopsis 'Lingholm' (Fertile Blue Group) is arguably one of the most coveted plants for the damp, cool woodland garden. Unlike some other blue poppies, 'Lingholm' is a reliable perennating hybrid that produces large, saucer-shaped flowers of an incredible, vivid sky-blue with a central boss of golden stamens. Growing to about 1 metre, the flowers are held on sturdy stems above a rosette of hairy, grayish-green leaves. Achieving success with blue poppies in the UK requires specific conditions: they demand high humidity, constant moisture, and acid to neutral soil. They are famously difficult in the south of England but thrive in the cooler, wetter climates of Scotland and Northern England. They are fully hardy (H5) but will not tolerate being waterlogged in winter or parched in summer. A site in dappled shade is essential to prevent the delicate petals from bleaching in the sun.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Moist, acidic, humus-rich soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: May, Jun, Jul.