Meconopsis baileyi Alba - Blue Poppy

Meconopsis baileyi var. alba, also known as the Himalayan Poppy, is a rare form of this mythical plant that collectors are clamouring for. The sublime flowers of this hardy perennial are a pure white shade with silky reflections, warmed by a bouquet of golden stamens, carried by elegant and sturdy stems above light green velvety foliage. This variety is a gift from nature, a treasure that deserves the effort of growing it. Sow the seeds in humus-rich and moist soil, in the shelter of an undergrowth or a wall, in filtered light. Sometimes, a blue flower may emerge among the mass of white corollas.

Originating from the Yarlung Zangbo Gorge in southeastern Tibet, the Himalayan poppy grows at an altitude of 3000 to 4000m (9842 to 13123ft). It thrives in partially shaded and moist locations, in neutral, humus-bearing, and deep soil. Capricious, it can wither overnight for no apparent reason. This white version is a rare form that faithfully propagates by sowing. It is a hardy perennial plant with rapid growth, showing a rosette habit from which 90cm (35in) tall floral stems emerge. The basal rosette, with a diameter of 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in), is composed of heart-shaped and ovate, light green villous leaves with long petioles. The ramified floral stems present several flowers measuring 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in diameter, with a slightly translucent and silky texture. The flowers are white. Their golden centre is composed of a plateau ovary surrounded by a collar of stamens. The flowering is followed by the formation of brown capsules filled with small black spherical seeds.

Often difficult to maintain in our gardens, it is nevertheless perennial, hardy, and prolific. To give yourself the best chance, look for and find the coldest spot in your garden, at the base of an east or north-facing wall, in well-drained and loose soil, or at the edge of a woodland exposed to morning sun. Plant it in large masses, give it space, and let nature take its course. Meconopsis baileyi and its varieties seem to be the easiest to grow in warmer and drier climates during the summer than in its country of origin. It is important to keep in mind that this plant experiences summer monsoons in Tibet and is covered in snow during winter.