Oreomecon ‘Moondance’ (Papaver)
£6.45
A short-lived compact plant with dense rosettes of finely-cut, evergreen, hairy leaves. Upward-facing, lemon-yellow, cupped flowers on short stems from midsummer to autumn. Height 30cm. Full sun. Hardy.
Description
Oreomecon ‘Moondance’ is a compact, short-lived perennial known for its finely cut evergreen foliage and vibrant lemon-yellow flowers that bloom from midsummer to autumn. With a height of 30cm, this hardy plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
- Spring: The best time to plant Oreomecon ‘Moondance’ is in early to mid-spring when the soil has started warming up. This gives the plant time to establish before its summer blooming period.
- Autumn: Planting in early autumn is also an option, allowing Oreomecon ‘Moondance’ to settle in before the colder months, ensuring vigorous growth the following year.
Site Selection
- Sunlight: Oreomecon ‘Moondance’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best flowering results.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Oreomecon ‘Moondance’. Avoid heavy, water-retentive soils, as excess moisture can cause root rot. If necessary, amend the soil with grit or compost to improve drainage.
Planting Instructions
- Prepare the Soil: Before planting Oreomecon ‘Moondance’, loosen the soil and mix in organic matter or grit to enhance drainage.
- Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth. This allows roots to spread easily.
- Planting: Position the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently and firm the soil to remove air pockets.
- Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots establish. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Requirements
- Growing Season: Once established, Oreomecon ‘Moondance’ is relatively drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
- Dormant Season: Reduce watering in autumn and winter to prevent excessive moisture around the roots, which can lead to rot.
Feeding
- Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy growth and an abundance of flowers.
- Mid-Summer: A light application of fertiliser mid-season can support prolonged blooming. Avoid excessive feeding, as this can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and Deadheading
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.
- End of Season Care: As Oreomecon ‘Moondance’ is a short-lived plant, consider collecting seeds from spent flowers to propagate new plants for the following season.
Mulching
- Spring: Apply a light layer of mulch around Oreomecon ‘Moondance’ to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Winter: A dry mulch layer can provide extra protection against frost, though this hardy plant typically withstands cold conditions well.
Supporting the Plant
- Staking: Due to its compact growth habit, Oreomecon ‘Moondance’ generally does not require staking. However, in particularly exposed locations, providing some support may prevent damage from strong winds.
Final Tips
Oreomecon ‘Moondance’ is a low-maintenance plant that brings long-lasting colour and texture to garden borders, rockeries, and containers. By ensuring full sun, well-drained soil, and occasional deadheading, you can enjoy its bright yellow blooms throughout the summer and into autumn. As this plant is short-lived, consider sowing seeds or replanting new specimens periodically to maintain its presence in your garden.
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