Blue is the colour. The meconopsis trial at RHS Garden Harlow Carr shows its colours

Harlow Carr is one of several sites across the country that has been chosen to grow 23 cultivars of meconopsis – more commonly known as the blue poppy because of its beautiful, vibrant hue. The trial will run over a three year period, with the first trial assessment on 17th May, when the trials committee was assessing each cultivar. The first meconopsis to flower was Meconopsis grandis ex psw on 22nd April 2011.

All of the plants are derived from the Himalayan form of meconopsis poppy and the cultivars have been developed over a period of time. The plants require a slightly acidic based growing medium that is well drained and a sheltered site out of the wind, in a cool part of the garden that receives filtered and not strong, direct sunlight.

Most of the cultivars are in full bloom at Harlow Carr and with a life expected to extend for another couple of weeks, now is the perfect time for visitors to enjoy the sight of these rare beauties.