Meconopsis betonicifolia ‘Alba’

This species is the legendary Himalayan blue poppy, originally called Meconopsis baileyi then M. betonicifolia. The flowers are from three to five inches across in pale to deep sky blue but in ‘Alba’ are elegantly pure white surrounded the orange-yellow stamens. Prefers peaty, well-drained soil that is kept evenly moist in summer and bright but indirect light. Prefers regions with cool summers and resents heat and humidity. Often listed as either zone 3 or 5 hardy from various sources. However, my mother-in-law, Ramona, who lived in zone 1b Saskatchewan grew and bloomed blue poppies by mulching them with a deep pile of fallen leaves each autumn. Make sure to use this method in zones 1-4.