Garden anemone Anemone coronaria
ABOUT
A. coronaria is tuberous perennial with finely dissected, palmate leaves and solitary flowers to 7cm across, which may be red, violet-blue or white; there are also double-flowered cultivars
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Poppy Anemone, Spanish Marigold, Windflower, Crown Anemone.
Common names
Anemone stellata, Anemone coronaria var. discoidea, Anemone coronaria var. phoenicea, Anemone coronaria subsp. phoenicea, Anemone coronaria var. cyanea, Anemone coronaria var. rosea.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1 feet 4 inches (40 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Anemone coronaria, commonly known as poppy anemone, adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens with its bright and varied hues.
- Pollinator Attraction: It attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Poppy anemones have a spring blooming season, offering visual interest at a time when many gardens are just beginning to wake up after winter.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of Anemone coronaria are long-lasting when cut, making them perfect for floral arrangements.
- Diversity: The plant is available in a wide range of colors, which allows for creative garden design and diverse color schemes.
- Easy Propagation: Poppy anemones can be easily propagated from tubers or seeds, allowing gardeners to spread them throughout the garden without additional cost.
- Resilience: The plant is relatively hardy and can tolerate poor soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soil.
- Combination Planting: This species is compatible with a variety of other plants, allowing for interesting and dynamic planting combinations.
Medical Properties- Anemone coronaria is traditionally used for its antispasmodic properties to relieve muscle tension and spasms.
- The plant has been thought to possess analgesic properties, providing relief from pain.
- It has been used as an astringent, causing the contraction of skin cells and other body tissues.
- The plant is also associated with sedative effects, which may help in reducing nervousness and promoting calmness.
- In some historical contexts, Anemone coronaria was used as a treatment for cramps and menstrual pain.
- Some traditional medicine systems used it for its possible wound healing effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Anemone coronaria petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics. The blossoms produce a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- The stems of Anemone coronaria can be used in basketry. The flexibility allows for weaving into intricate patterns.
- As a natural pest repellent, the plant can be placed in gardens to deter certain insects due to its toxic properties.
- The poppy anemone's seed pods can be used in dry floral arrangements, adding an intriguing texture to the design.
- Its vibrant flowers can be used for educational purposes to illustrate the diversity of flowering plant reproductive systems.
- The petals of poppy anemones can be scattered in ponds to provide a temporary aesthetic effect for special occasions.
- Photographers and artists often use the striking flowers of the poppy anemone as subjects for their work due to their vivid colors and forms.
- Gardeners might use Anemone coronaria as companion plants to indicate soil health, as they thrive in well-draining soil.
- Considered a symbol of luck and protection, poppy anemones can be used in cultural festivals and ceremonies.
- Poppy anemone patterns can inspire designers for print and fabric designs, featuring the flowers in clothing and home decor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Anemone coronaria is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Anemone coronaria is not used in astrology practice.
Plant SymbolismAnemone coronaria, commonly known as the Poppy Anemone, carries a range of symbolic meanings. Here is a list in HTML format:
- Anticipation and Expectation: Derived from the Greek word for "windflower," it is believed that the anemone closes up when the wind blows as if in anticipation of protecting itself.
- Fragility and Fading Hope: The delicate petals of the Poppy Anemone can represent fragility of life and the fleeting nature of existence.
- Forsaken Love: In the Victorian language of flowers, anemones sometimes represent a love that is diminishing or has never been returned.
- Protection Against Evil: Folklore often associates anemones with magical protection against evil and ill luck.
- Remembrance: Anemones, particularly red varieties, can symbolize remembrance and are often used in commemorative contexts such as memorials.
WaterPoppy anemones should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to approximately one inch of water per week. Ensure the plant receives a consistent amount of water to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. During the growing season in spring and early summer, this might mean watering once or twice a week, whereas less water will be required during its dormancy in late summer. Be cautious not to overwater, as poppy anemones are susceptible to rot in waterlogged soil. It is best to water the plants with about 1 gallon of water each time, adjusting for rainfall and changes in temperature that could affect soil moisture.
LightPoppy anemones thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They should receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, although in hotter climates, some afternoon shade can help prevent overheating. The ideal spot for planting poppy anemones would be one where they receive morning light and protection from the intense sun in the afternoon.
TemperaturePoppy anemones prefer moderate temperatures and will thrive in conditions between 50°F and 65°F while they are in bloom. They can tolerate temperatures down to freezing (32°F) and can survive short periods slightly below this point, but they perform poorly in extreme heat above 80°F or prolonged frosty temperatures. To ensure optimal growth and flowering, maintain the garden area within this temperature range as much as possible.
PruningPruning poppy anemones is generally done to deadhead spent flowers, which encourages more blooms and extends the flowering period. It's best to prune or deadhead the plants regularly throughout the blooming season, which is spring to early summer. After the flowering season, prune back the foliage once it yellows and dies back naturally to keep the plant tidy. The best time for major pruning is after the plant has gone dormant, in late summer or early fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPoppy anemone thrives in light, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.6 to 7.5. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part compost or peat is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingPoppy anemone generally does not require frequent repotting and can be done every few years as the plant outgrows its pot or the soil gets depleted.
Humidity & MistingPoppy anemone prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in typical home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleAnemone coronaria, commonly known as the poppy anemone, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in the ground, preferably in autumn or spring. These seeds germinate, leveraging the moist and cool conditions to develop into small plants. The seedlings develop a root system and vegetative growth in the form of leaves during their initial growth phase. As they mature, typically in spring, the plants produce striking flowers in various colors including red, blue, pink, purple, or white. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers eventually give way to fruit that contains numerous seeds. The plant then completes its life cycle as these seeds disperse, potentially giving rise to new plants, and the parent plant may die back, especially in regions with hot summers, to reemerge from the roots the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Anemone coronaria, commonly known as the poppy anemone, is frequently propagated through division of tubers, which is considered its most popular method. The ideal time for this is during the plant's dormant period, which typically falls in late summer. To propagate, one must carefully lift the clumps of tubers from the ground after the foliage has died back. Using a sharp knife, the tubers can be divided into sections, ensuring each piece has at least one eye or growth point. These sections should then be planted immediately at a depth of about 1.5 to 2 inches (approximately 3.8 to 5 cm) in well-draining soil, spaced around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart to allow for growth. It's important to water the newly planted tubers well, and they will typically sprout in the following spring, ready to produce their vibrant flowers.
