RHS trialling big blue poppy

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is performing a trial which may be of particular interest to garden and greenhouse enthusiasts in the south of England.

Taking place at Harlow Carr, near Harrogate, the trial of the large blue poppy Meconopsis will establish whether there is any truth in the belief that the plant cannot be grown in certain regions.

A series of tests will be carried out by the RHS Rock Garden Plant Trial Assessment Panel over the course of the next three years.

A total of 23 cultivars have been planted to give the judges a chance to compare the different hybrid groups.

Successful varieties will be given the Award of Garden Merit and be recommended for sale to the general population.

However, growers who want to see the poppies in the meantime can do so at a number of RHS sites around the country.

Examples include Garden Rosemoors Lady Annes Garden, which is located in Devon, or the Surrey-based Garden Wisley.

The RHS recently revealed that the latter of these two attractions is to host two events focusing on pinks and carnations next month.