Re: [SG] shadegardens Digest - 9 Jan 1999 to 10 Jan 1999 - Special issue (#1999-21)

>I read a couple of posts mentioning a Himalayan blue poppy and Meconopsis--I
>just came across this when browsing through the Botanica book and thought it
>was just beautiful and according to the book will grow in Zone 5, where I
>live, and in shade.  Who has tried to grow it, and with what degree of
>success/failure?
>
>Helen in Chicago (Zone 5)
>Date:    Sun, 10 Jan 1999 07:52:04 EST

 Hi Helen,

You aren't alone. The blue poppy is probably one of the most beautiful
plants I have ever seen. I am struggling with Meconopsis cambrica, (the
yellow Welsh poppy) which is a weed in England. I can't grow the blue
poppy, and I really don't think that it can be grown on the East coast at
all, or at least not well.  It can be grown on the west coast, where the
climate is like England. That is why Heronswood has it. I don't really know
about the chicago area, but somehow, I doubt it. Check around your area,
and see if anyone there has been able to grow it. Somehow, I think that
your summers are too hot and dry for it. Ask Gene Bush. Think he can grow
about anything that is growable. Went on a garden tour in England, and took
pictures from Powis Castle, Northern Wales (where it was just beginning) to
Wakehurst Place, South of London where it was in full bloom in all it's
glory and 2 to 3 ft. tall. I did get teased unmercifully about my
obsession, but still can't grow it.

Nancy

Nancy Swell
Richmond, VA
Zone 7?
swell@erols.com
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