I was absolutely delighted when I strolled through the garden this morning and found that the first blue poppy opened today. It is every bit as gorgeous as I imagined it would be. I was inspired to try a blue poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia) after seeing the famous Reford Gardens (jardins de metis) display. I started out with just one plant to see if it would be hardy here.
When the plant survived the winter and made it clear that it intended to bloom, I bought another couple of plants to join it and make a little group. The flowers are about 4 inches across and are held in a clump at the top of a stalk that stands about 3 feet tall. Himalayan Blue Poppies are short-lived perennials. They set seed, but have a reputation of being hard to start. I’ll have to give it a try. Meanwhile, I am enjoying today’s bloom.
Willow House Chronicles 
Wow, congratulations! It is not a small feat to get the blue poppy to bloom in Southern Ontario. They are supposed to hate the summer heat (of course Métis stays quite cool all summer). Perhaps I should also try. I did get seeds at the Reford Garden but you say they are hard to start. I would be better off with plants. I think they also like acidic soil….being on limestone, I might have to give the idea more thought!
Alain, We did have a rainy, cool summer last year, so perhaps that helped. Or maybe it is beginner’s luck. Either way, I’m pleased.
I haven’t tried seeds myself, but have heard they have a reputation for being difficult. I got a single plant last year at Lost Horizons outside Acton, to try out, and got 2 more a couple of weeks ago. They also carry Meconopsis x sheldonii ‘Lingholm’. You know what they say, “It’s worth the drive to Acton!”
Stunning! Poppies are my favorite flower- the blue is just fantastic
It’s an amazing blue, rare in flowers.
WOW! I am so impressed you got it to grow and bloom! Gorgeous!