The first Anemone coronaria bulbs come into flower in February. The texture of the just-unfurled petals is as voluptuous as the best bearded iris and then there’s the black centre. Across between something you’d expect to find at the bottom of the sea and a liquorice all-sort. Growing Anemone Coronaria!
Growing Anemone Coronaria
Flowers in mid-spring (April) and lasts about 4 weeks. About 10-12 inches tall. Reproduces by seeds and tubers and requires a warm (50-65 degrees F) to cool (35-45 degrees F) to warm (50-65 degrees F) annual thermoperiodic cycle. Tolerates summer drought, but keep moist during fall and spring.
Must be kept dry during dormancy. Propagate by seed, sowing them in containers in a cold frame when ripe or separate tubers in summer when dormant. When grown in large numbers, they will spread a carpet of color through woodlands, shade gardens, and beneath other spring-blooming bulbs. The texture of the just-unfurled petals is as voluptuous as the best bearded iris and then there’s the black centre.
About
The wood anemone of Europe, A. nemorosa. Which bears white flowers, causes blistering of the skin and was formerly used as an ingredient in medicines.
In North America, wood anemone refers to A. quinquefolia, a delicate plant with deeply cut leaves. Windflower, the English version of the Greek-derived anemone. According to a Greek myth. As Adonis died, red anemones (A. coronaria) sprang up from his blood.
The term pasqueflower (from Old French pasque, Easter) refers to such floral emblems of Easter as A. patens, A. pratensis, and A. pulsatilla.
Poppy Anemone
Of the more than 100 species of perennial anemones, the colorful poppy anemone is one you are likely to see in spring gardens (and to covet for yours). With its large, velvety petals and wide range of colors.
Anemone coronaria flowers also find their way frequently into florists’ refrigerator cases and bridal bouquets. But be warned. This charming cut flower has a short vase life.
Decorative
Anemones are best known today as a large group of plants grown for decorative purposes. The species A. coronaria (‘corona’ refers to the crownlike arrangement of the stamens). Is grown as a cut flower. Seen most commonly in its black-centered purple, red, or white form. It’s available in single, double, and semi-double forms.
Easily grown, the tiny corm-like tubers of A. coronaria. Can be planted in the fall (in warm climates) and in spring (in colder regions). They are hardy to USDA growing zone 7 in light soils.
How to grow
Grow in a light, sandy soil in full sun. May need protection from winter frosts. Must be kept dry during dormancy. Propagate by seed, sowing them in containers in a cold frame when ripe or separate tubers in summer when dormant. Susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms and damage from slugs.
Where To Plant Anemones
Grecian windflowers are compact, 6” plants with attractive, fern-like foliage. When grown in large numbers, they will spread a carpet of color through woodlands, shade gardens, and beneath other spring-blooming bulbs. De Caen and St. Brigid anemones do not like to compete with other types plants. Give them their own space or grow them in pots and planters. They are also suitable for cutting gardens.
They grow well in sun or shade.
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