This vigorous climber has deeply 3-lobed leaves, climbing tendrils, and purple-centred frilly white flowers, followed by a heavy crop of purple, edible fruit. It is native to Paraguay, Brazil and parts of Argentina and although it is half hardy, it may be killed off down to the ground in hard winters, but reliably re-grows from the roots next spring.

SOWING ADVICE

Sow seeds, covering them thinly, preferably in spring but can be at any time, in good light, at between 15 and 20 degrees C. Prick out small seedlings into 3 inch/8cm pots containing a John Innes, loam-based compost. Grow on before planting into a large container or sheltered spot outdoors, with climbing support, and be sure to protect them from freezing in winter.

A delightful hardy, perennial climber, with the vigour of Lathyrus latifolius and may be a geographical variant, from the Chilean forest edges. Long stemmed sprays of large, delicate, pale icing pink flowers, excellent for cutting, from spring to late summer.

OWING ADVICE

Sow seeds at any time onto a good soil-based compost covering seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. We recommend germinating at 15 to 20 degrees C. Germination may be very slow, perhaps 2-3 months, or sometimes much longer, and these seeds may sometimes wait for spring before emerging. Grow on individual seedlings in 3 inch pots before finally planting with climbing support in a well-drained spot or very large pot.

Common name: Blue Poppy, Himalayan Poppy

This quite reliable perennial is far superior to Meconopsis betonicifolia. This selection includes both pale blue and violet shades of the famous "Himalayan Blue Poppy" as well as the normal kingfisher blue. It forms clumps of hairy leaves from which arise strong stems carrying heads of silky, almost transparent petals with golden eyes up to four inches across, and is one of the most beautiful garden plants you can grow. It multiplies up each year into a massive golden-haired clump which can be divided to increase the size of the bed. In a shady spot with organic-enriched soil a bed of these plants make an unbelievable sight. We challenge you to grow these gorgeous plants.

SOWING ADVICE:

Seeds can be sown at any time, but for a full season of growth are best sown in trays in early spring. Cover seeds thinly in a cool spot, artificial heat is rarely needed as this can cause rapid germination and fungal attack or even make the seeds go MORE DEEPLY DORMANT. Seedlings usually appear within 3 to 6 weeks but can take much longer. Pot on into small pots and protect from hot sun. Plant out into a shaded, moist, peaty or organic soil. Many are herbaceous, dying down to a large, resting, winter bud.

• Colour: Shades of Blues
• Classification: Hardy perennial
• Flowering: May - July
• Height: 75CM Spread: 50cm
• Position: Sunny / Well-Drained Soil

Suitable for the Garden, vegetable garden, allotments, borders and containers. 

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.