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Description
Meconopsis Horridula, commonly known as the prickly blue poppy, is a flowering plant that belongs to the poppy family Papaveraceae. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 60cm tall and is native to the central Himalayas. This plant produces stunning blue flowers that bloom from May to July, and it is commonly grown for ornamental purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Meconopsis |
Appearance
The Meconopsis Horridula plant has a rosette of basal leaves that are hairy and bright green in color. The flowers are usually blue, but they can also be purple or white, and they have a diameter of 5-8cm. The petals are delicate, and the stamens are visible in the center. The plant produces fruits that are capsules that contain numerous tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Meconopsis Horridula requires specific care to thrive. Here are some tips to care for this plant:
- Water: This plant requires consistent soil moisture, so it is essential to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Fertilization: It is best to fertilize this plant with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
- Soil: Meconopsis Horridula prefers acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant requires partial shade to full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant thrives in USDA zones 6-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Meconopsis Horridula is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Slugs and snails: These pests can cause significant damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant.
- Aphids: These pests can cause the leaves of the plant to curl and distort.
- Fungal diseases: Meconopsis Horridula is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Habitat
Meconopsis Horridula is native to the central Himalayas, where it grows in rocky, mountainous areas. It prefers cool, damp climates and is often found growing in areas with high rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Meconopsis Horridula be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers. However, it is essential to ensure that the container has adequate drainage and that the soil remains consistently moist.
Q: How often should I fertilize Meconopsis Horridula?
A: It is best to fertilize this plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Q: Is Meconopsis Horridula deer-resistant?
A: No, this plant is not deer-resistant and is often eaten by deer and other wildlife.
Q: Can Meconopsis Horridula be propagated by division?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated by division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Meconopsis cambrica (Welsh poppy)
- Meconopsis grandis (Himalayan blue poppy)
- Meconopsis betonicifolia (Tibetan blue poppy)
References
- “Meconopsis Horridula” Royal Horticultural Society, https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/17092/meconopsis-horridula/details. Accessed 1 July 2021.
- “Meconopsis Horridula” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278098&isprofile=0. Accessed 1 July 2021.
- “Meconopsis Horridula” Plant Delights Nursery, https://www.plantdelights.com/products/meconopsis-horridula. Accessed 1 July 2021.
