Meconopsis Andrew Houston

 This is a real stunner for a shadier spot in the garden, whether the shade is cast by trees or a shed is irrelevant. Leaves emerge very early in the season, they are covered with deep brown bristles while young but become less visible as the leaf matures. Leaves are lance shaped and can be up to 30 cms long or so and 6cms wide, colour is pale green. The flowers are held on rigid stems which carry few leaves. Each stem holds up to 4 or 5 flowers each, the flowers facing outwards and slightly downwards. Colour is a gentle sky blue not often seen in the garden. Highly recommended.