Meconopsis horridula

Mythical genus, if ever there was one, especially with its Himalayan species: these "Diamonds of the Roof of the World" on which the dreams of many enthusiasts are shattered. Shattered, the word is not too strong because successfully cultivating species such as M. bella, M. delavayi or M. punicea is more of an alchemist's initiation journey than gardening. The species we offer are among the easiest to grow.

In its first year, this small biennial blue poppy presents a rosette of lanceolate, entire leaves of a pretty glaucous green, covered with stiff reddish-brown hairs. In its second year, the stem is also covered with very stiff hairs, lengthens, and bears at its top dark gentian blue flowers with a black heart, smaller than M. betonicifolia. This plant, covered in stiff hairs and with a slightly rigid appearance, thrives in the company of other plants that complement each other. We use it a lot with Brunnera macrophylla and Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans'.