code: 960
it bore a very close resemblance to the plants these seeds were collected from
Family: Papaveraceae
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial Hardy biennial
Minimum Height: 90 cm
Maximum Height: 1.5 meters
From dense rosettes of silver and golden pelted leaves arise great monocarpic spikes of sulphur yellow silky flowers. One of the most fabulous and impressive plants in moist rich soil. One of the world’s top meconopsis experts has explained that the true, genuine, botanically pure Meconopsis regia may no longer be in cultivation, but when it was, it bore a very close resemblance to the plants these seeds were collected from.
Sowing advice:
Seeds can be sown at any time, but for a full season of growth are best sown in trays in early spring. Cover seeds thinly in a cool spot, artificial heat is rarely needed as this can cause rapid germination and fungal attack. Seedlings usually appear within 3 to 6 weeks but can take much longer. Pot on into small pots and protect from hot sun. Plant out into a shaded, moist, peaty or organic soil. Many are herbaceous, dying down to a large, resting, winter bud.
Taxonomy
Monocarpic evergreen species from a restricted area. It has yellow/green hairy leaves with no lobing. Lamjang Himal, east of Annapurna. The flowers are yellow with a deep purple stigma and borne on a tall spike.
Cultivation
The true species has not been in cultivation for more than 40 years but occasionally very similar ‘throwbacks’ occur from M. ‘napaulensis’ (hort). There is no reason to think it was particularly difficult but just hybridized rapidly with other evergreen monocarpic species. If it is re- collected then it will be necessary to maintain this species in isolation.
