Ascreavie

Meconopsis 'Ascreavie'

Meconopsis ‘Ascreavie’
George Sherriff Group MG No.5
Named and registered by The Meconopsis Group in 2002
Award PC 2005

Young leaves with red-purple pigmentationYoung leaves with red-purple pigmentation.

Single leaf showing the saw-toothed serrate edgeSingle leaf showing the saw-toothed serrate edge.

Acreavie showing a typical 'windmill flower'. with widely separated petalsTypical ‘windmill flower’ with widely separated petals.

Thin elliptical fruit capsules.Thin, elliptical fruit
capsules.

Meconopsis ‘Ascreavie’ is a distinctive member of the George Sherriff Group with wide-spreading, narrow petals giving the flowers a windmill-like effect. This cultivar came from the garden of Ascreavie House, the former home of George and Betty Sherriff, both influential plant collectors and gardeners, where it had probably been grown for many years.

The stems at the top of the plant tend to slope downwards, especially when it is windy. A large clump can sometimes appear untidy, so a sheltered position is best. It is a vigorous cultivar, which can easily be divided.

Description

The mauve-blue or purple-blue flowers have four long, narrow, wavy petals which do not overlap, unlike those of many other members of the George Sherriff Group.

The flowers are held on short stems above the leafy bract. There can be one or two extra flowers from the top leaf axils of the main stem.

The long, narrow style with a prominent stigma develops into a narrow, ellipsoidal fruit capsule covered with spreading, pale bristles.

The young broad leaves are suffused in red-purple pigment and covered in short, pale hairs.

The mature basal leaves are green, broad with long petioles. The teeth on the leaf margins are deeply serrate (saw-toothed). The leaf tip is pointed.

Description. The mauve-blue or purple-blue flowers have four long narrow wavy petals which do not overlap unlike many other members of the George Sherriff Group. The flowers are held on short stems above the leafy bract. There can be one or two extra flowers from the top leaf axils of the main stem. The long narrow style with a prominent stigma develops into a narrow elliptical fruit capsule covered with spreading pale bristles. The young broad leaves are suffused in red-purple pigment and covered in short pale hairs. The green mature basal leaves are broad with long petioles. The teeth on the leaf margins are deeply serrate (saw-toothed). The leaf tip is pointed.

Mature basal leaves with saw – toothed edges.

Clump of Meconopsis ‘Ascreavie’.

Meconopis 'Ascreavie' in a garden showing its lax habit

Clump of Meconopsis ‘Ascreavie’ in a
garden setting, showing a sometimes lax habit.