Meconopsis napaulensis - Himalayan Poppy

Family:	Papaveraceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	2
Width:	1
Synonyms:	M. wallichii.
Range:	E. Asia - Himalayas to China, Nepal and Szechwan.

Meconopsis napaulensis (Himalayan Poppy) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 2m and a width of 1m . It has a hardness rating of 8.
Himalayan Poppy will flower in December. the seeds ripen from February
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Himalayan Poppy will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
Himalayan Poppy prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Open slopes and grazed ground, 3000 - 4500m[51].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a woodland soil in partial shade[1, 200]. The soil should be lime-free, moist, well-drained and moderately rich[200]. Dislikes full sun and windy positions[200]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. A very ornamental plant[1]. Monocarpic, the plants living for a number of years before flowering but then dying once they flower[200]. A fine plant for growing in open woodland[1]. Plants are subject to 'crown rot' when they are growing in damp conditions[1].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
An edible oil is extracted from the seed[105, 177, 183].

• Oil -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The root is used as a narcotic[240].

• Narcotic - Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in late summer. Spring sown seed is slower to germinate[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flowers of the Himalayas.
Polunin. O. and Stainton. A.
Author: Polunin. O. and Stainton. A.
Rating:
Publisher : A very readable and good pocket guide (if you have a very large pocket!) to many of the wild plants in the Himalayas. Gives many examples of plant uses.
Date of Publication : 1984

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.