Meconopsis Staintonii

Meconopsis staintonii is a striking red-flowered Himalayan poppy from central Nepal. For several seasons it builds a bold rosette of divided, often silver-haired leaves before sending up a tall branching stem bearing silky bowls in scarlet, crimson or deep cherry red. The intense flowers are centred by a contrasting golden boss and stand out dramatically in cool woodland light. Recognised as a distinct species in the twenty-first century, it is a monocarpic perennial, flowering once before dying. Successful plants reward patience by producing seed for the next generation.