Rare Blue-Poppy Blooming At Longwood Gardens

KENNETT SQUARE, PA – Once considered a myth, blue-poppies are alive and thriving at Longwood Gardens, but only for a limited time.

The spectacular flowers that are native to the high elevations of the Himalayan Mountains are on display now in Longwood’s Conservatory, expected to be on display through the first week of April, according to Patricia Evans, communications director for Longwood Gardens.

Blue-poppies (Meconopsis ‘Lingholm’) are infrequently cultivated outside their native habitat. Longwood explained it uses a growing technique to force the blue-poppies to flower every year in March. The cultivar, 'Lingholm, produces large flowers that average four inches in diameter. The substantial petals are a mesmerizing deep, sky blue color.

The blue-poppies will be on display through early April in the Conservatory, just as millions of geophytes and flowering trees begin to color the outdoor landscape in the much-anticipated spring season at Longwood.

The Gardens are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Admission is $25 for adults; $22 for seniors (age 62+); $13 for students ages 5–18 or with valid student ID, and free for ages 4 and under. Group rates are available, Longwood Gardens said.

For timed tickets and reservations, visit longwoodgardens.org.

In 1906, industrialist Pierre du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great horticultural displays, encompassing 1,100 acres of dazzling gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and a 4.5-acre conservatory.

Make sure you know what's happening in your town. Sign up to get Patch emails and don't miss any local news: https://patch.com/subscribe.