Meconopsis
Papaveraceae
Deciduous, Perennials
Ardent collectors and shade garden enthusiasts sometimes attempt the many species offered by specialist seed firms. Most of these herbaceous perennials are difficult to grow, but the choices listed here are not too trying if given loose, acid soil and cool, humid, shady conditions. Protect seaside plantings from wind.
Plants consist of foliage rosettes with elongated leaves that vary in shape from undivided to lobed or cut; these foliage clumps send up flowering stems at bloom time. Blossoms are large and brilliantly colored. Plants self-sow without becoming invasive. Except as noted, these plants are native to the Himalayas.
In perfect conditions, can reach 6 ft. tall and 2 ft. wide. Abundant hairy leaves with serrated edges; silky, 3- to 4-in., sky blue poppies with yellow stamens. In less favorable locales, it is a much squatter, shorter-lived plant with smaller flowers verging on mauve. Blooms in late spring or early summer.
Aruncus dioicus
Native to Eurasia and to southeastern and south-central Alaska. Grows to 6 (sometimes 7) ft. tall, 4 f...
Parahebe
These evergreen perennials were formerly classified as Hebe, and before that as Veronica
Trifolium repens
Sometimes mixed with lawngrass or dichondra seed. Prostratestems root freely, send uplush cover of lea...
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