Interestingly the uppermost buds open first. Each flower possesses numerous, attractive stamens and usually four petals but sometimes this varies with up to nine occurring. The Himalayan Blue Poppy or the Tibetan Poppy , Meconopsis betonicifolia , is a native of China, Tibet and Upper Burma where it grows naturally in alpine meadows at altitudes between 3000 and 4000 metres. It is probably the most frequently grown species. This species attains a height of 1 metre or more, and produces 5 to 6 centimetre wide, 'poppy-like, sky blue flowers with golden coloured anthers.
Flowers gently nod in a breeze and are borne on strong stems that arise from the rosette of leaves.
These are coated with soft rusty bristles. Sometimes Meconopsis betonicifolia acts as a monocarpic plant, especially if grown on an over-rich soil. It is advisable to remove the first year's flowering stem to promote the development of offsets. With proper care and attention they can live for many years. The oldest in my garden must now be in its fourteenth year.