Himalaya

Large boulders from the island of Kvaløya near Tromsø create a habitat for plants from the Sino-Himalayan Mountains. Many species growing at altitudes between 3000 and 5500 meters in their native range find the climate of Tromsø to their liking. From mid June until mid July, Meconopsis can be stunning in this part of the garden, starting with blood red M. punicea and lemon yellow M. integrifolia, continuing with lavender M. quintuplinervia and regal blue M. grandis, terminating with the famous Blue Poppy of Tibet, M. betonicifolia. Another important genus, Primula, has a number of Sino-Himalayan species growing well in Tromsø. The earliest one to flower is also one of the most spectacular: Primula sonchifolia from China flower as the snow melts, and can be admired in May or first half of June. Other Primulas to be seen in the Himalaya section include the small, but very attractive P. reidii. Later in the summer and in the autumn several taller species of the Sikkimensis section blooms, providing a wonderful palette of yellow, cream, white, purple, maroon and brick-red flowers. Other genera worth noting are Cremanthodium, Codonopsis, Aster, Geranium, Iris, Allium and Potentilla.

Rheum tibeticum Meconopsis sp. Meconopsis integrifolia Cremanthodium x ellisii Primula florindae