The Meconopsis betonicifolia in our Botanical Garden is blooming now. I took this back-lit shot this monring and was quite pleased with the effect.
Had to share this pic
I want one to bloom in my yard! :'( Truly one of the perks of living in your zone Todd.
Wonderful pic! Ü
Absolutely stunning photograph, Todd. Thanks for sharing.
If you ever feel the need for a career change Todd, you could easily take up professional photography. You have a natural eye for it. --Ginny
echoes
Jun 28, 2005
Nice shot Todd
Thanks Todd. Absolutely gorgeous!
Glenda
Todd that is a wonderful photo, you really have a good eye. you mind if I download that photo? I'll wait to hear from you.
Linda
Download all you like! I'm only too happy to share.
thanks Todd
Todd, Hudson Seeds sells this gorgeous Meconopsis betonicifolia, Tibetan Blue Poppy, but in their catalog, it stated that it blooms the second year. Is that correct? I don't know if I can wait that long!!
Donna, here's the theory. Meconopsis normally bloom in the second year. HOWEVER, if you allow them to flower in the second year they often behave as monocarpic, dying in the next winter. They need to have at least a second non-flowering crown if they are to make it overwinter and into a third season. Some books therefore suggest you remove the flower stem in the second season as soon as it appears, forcing the plant to go multiple-crowned. Then, if the climate is right, they can live and bloom for many years. Do you want to sacrifice the first blooms? That's up to you! (How's that for causing you to make such a drastic decision!) If you have two or more plants, then sacrificing one would not be such a bad thing.
Having said all that, here is what I have found. Initially I did let mine flower (I had 3 plants) and only 1 survived to come back another year. I started some again and this time as soon as the flowers fafed I cut the stems back to nearly ground level, just leaving a few basal leaves. Thankfully, yhe plant produced new rosettes at the base, thus the plant continued. The bottom line, DO NOT LET IT SET SEED in it's first season of bloom, then you might be able to enjoy both the blooms and future blooms.
Thanks Todd, I appreciate the information. Now, I have to make a few decisions. :D