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'''Meconopsis''' is a [[genus]] of flowering plants in the family ''[[Papaveraceae]]''. The [[species]] have attractive flowers and have two distinct ranges. A single species, {{sp|M|econopsis|cambrica}}, also known as the ''Welsh poppy'', is indigenous to England, Wales, Ireland, and the fringes of Western Europe. The other 40 or so (depending on classification) species are found in the Himalayas. Within the Himalayan types there is much debate as to what constitutes a particular species as many readily [[hybrid|hybridise]] with each other and produce viable seed. It is likely that some individually-named species are in fact a single species but with an under-appreciated morphological diversity.
A large proportion of species are monocarpic and as such are notoriously difficult to maintain in cultivation.
Meconopsis grandis, nicknamed the Blue Poppy (although it is only poppy-like), is the national flower of Bhutan.
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Meconopsis (Greek, poppy-like). Papaveraceae. Poppy-like herbs, annual and perennial, useful as garden flower plants.
Meconopsis (Greek, poppy-like). Papaveraceae. Poppy-like herbs, annual and perennial, useful as garden flower plants.
==Cultivation==
==Cultivation==
Himalayan varieties have the reputation for being difficult to grow from seed, but when germinating new plants, using fresh seeds will help. On the other hand, the Welsh poppy is sometimes considered a weed, albeit a handsome one, due to its vigorous self-seeding. It comes as a surprise to many that poppies are available in shades of blue. These plants are available in a variety of strong colours, including blue, red, orange, purple, white and yellow depending on species and cultivar.
They like a rich, [[loam]]y soil in a semi-shaded position.
===Propagation===
===Propagation===
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Seeds should be stored in an airtight, dry container, in a cool place such as a domestic fridge. Some seeds, such as that of {{sp|M|econopsis punicea}} need to be sown when fresh and experience a period of cold to allow germination to occur.<ref>http://www.meconopsis.org/pages/cultivate3.html#raisingseed</ref>
====From Seed====
Sow seeds during late summer through to early winter on the surface of a seed tray filled with moist [[seed raising mix]] and then cover with a 10mm layer of [[vermiculite]] and firm well, keep moist at all times, especially after germination has taken place, by misting or watering from below, to avoid disturbing the seeds. Including a lot of grit into the soil allows you to [[pricking out|prick]] the plant out without damaging the delicate stem or roots. Using [[peat pellet]]s solves this transplanting problem.
Germinate them in a shaded, cool location. The germination period can be three weeks, but can also take several months, sometimes not germinating until the next year. Some species, such as {{sp|M|econopsis|lancifolia}}, {{sp|M|econopsis|sinuata}}, {{sp|M|econopsis|delavayi}}, and {{sp|M|econopsis|speciosa}} and the high altitude form of {{sp|M|econopsis|horridula}}.
You can transfer plants into the garden when they are large enough.
====Asexual propagation====
For big perennial species, especially the sterile hybrids, which do not produce viable seeds, propagation by division is the best (or only) way to get more of the same species.
It is best to divide the clumps while they are actively growing, to reduce the amount of stress caused, so during early spring, when the new leaves are beginning to form. The first thing is to find a sizeable clump of the plant and then to carefully lift it and tease it apart into several smaller clumps. It is much better to tease the clumps apart with your hands, or the gentle use of a [[garden fork]] then slicing with a knife or spade.
After completing the division, the plants should be potted up and kept under cover until they have well developed root systems.
===Pests and diseases===
===Pests and diseases===
==Species==
==Species==
{{sp|M|econopsis|aculeata}}<br/>
{{sp|M|econopsis|betonicifolia}} (Himalayan blue poppy)<br/>
{{sp|M|econopsis|cambrica}} (Welsh poppy)<br/>
{{sp|M|econopsis|chelidonifolia}}<br/>
{{sp|M|econopsis|grandis}}<br/>
{{sp|M|econopsis|lancifolia}}<br/>
{{sp|M|econopsis|napaulensis}} (Nepal poppy)<br/>
{{sp|M|econopsis|punicia}}<br/>
{{sp|M|econopsis|quituplinerva}} <br/>
{{sp|M|econopsis|simplicifolia}} (blue poppy)<br/>
==Gallery==
==Gallery==