MinxterBLOOM

I saw the fabled blue poppy today. Sigh. Really.  Here is an image that will stay up, only if the owner agrees. 

Photo by and (c)2008 Derek Ramsey. Co-attribution must be given to the Chanticleer Garden.

The aqua-blue color is just about perfect. I had not thought that I would see this flower.  The blue poppy is Bhutan's national flower.  This year's Smithsonian Folklife Festival features Bhutan.

Species details: 

Meconopsis betonicifolia is native to the Himalayas, requiring acid, humusy soil. Cool temperatures are best, but damp and wet feet can rot the root.Frank Kingdon-Ward, English plant collector in China during early 1900s, traveled widely in these high mountains. His introductions include rhododendrons, primroses, and this.

 I had no idea I would see this at the festival. 

Blue, perfect.

Amen. 

Botany Photo of the Day features this singular bloom in an extraordinary close-up. Do not miss this.