Meconopsis punicea 'Sichuan Silk'

Meconopsis is a genus of plants in the poppy family, the most common of which grown in Britain are the Welsh poppy, Meconopsis cambrica, and the Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis betonicifolia. The flowers are a similar shape and structure to true poppies, but they can identified as meconopsis by their seedheads. Rather than 'pepper pot' seedheads typical of true poppies, meconopsis seedheads are thin and long.

Meconopsis punicea is a beautiful red-flowered species, bearing several long stems on which one long-petalled flower emerges from a hairy bud. Flowers are produced over a long period, a few at a time. Typically the plants are monocarpic, meaning they die after flowering, but 'Sichuan Silk' is truly perennial. Plants are hardy and grow in clumps, making this a perfect choice for a shady border or long-term container display. For best results, grow in moist but well drained, neutral to acidic soil, in a partially shaded spot.