Poppy Anemone Anemone coronaria (De Caen Group) 'Bordeaux'
ABOUT
The Anemone coronaria 'Bordeaux' is a strikingly beautiful flower, commonly known as the Poppy Anemone. This variety is particularly captivating due to its rich, velvety, deep burgundy petals that exude a luxurious charm. The flowers are large and showy, with a central button-like mound that is often a darker hue, giving the blooms a sense of depth and complexity. Surrounding this enticing center are numerous stamens that create a delicate, frilly halo, contributing to the flower's sophisticated appearance. The petals of the 'Bordeaux' are satiny and tend to have a slightly cupped form, which further enhances their visual allure. The foliage is equally attractive, consisting of handsome, deeply cut leaves that form a lush mound. The leaves are typically a bright green color, offering a striking contrast to the dark tones of the blossoms. These blossoms are borne singly on sturdy stems that rise elegantly above the leafy base. During the blooming period, the Poppy Anemone 'Bordeaux' creates a breathtaking display that is sure to be a showstopper in any garden setting. Its magnificent flowers and contrasting foliage combine to produce a truly enchanting floral presentation. The plant exudes a charm that is reminiscent of historical garden landscapes, yet it fits seamlessly into modern garden designs as well, making it a versatile choice for gardeners seeking to add a touch of drama and sophistication to their outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Poppy Anemone, Spanish Marigold, Windflower, Crown Anemone.
Common names
Anemone coronaria 'Bordeaux'
ToxicityTo humans
The Anemone, specifically Anemone coronaria, contains toxic compounds that can cause skin irritation on contact. If ingested, it can lead to oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and can cause mild poisoning. In severe cases, it can lead to nervous system depression, but such extreme reactions are rare.
To pets
Anemones are also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Symptoms of anemone poisoning in pets might include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, oral irritation, and possible pawing at the mouth. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to tremors or seizures, although severe toxicity is uncommon. It is important for pet owners to prevent their animals from ingesting any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Bordeaux
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive blooms: The 'Bordeaux' variety is known for its striking, deep red flowers that add significant visual appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Prolonged flowering: Anemone coronaria has a relatively long blooming period, providing color and interest for several weeks in spring or fall depending on the climate.
- Pollinator friendly: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the ecosystem.
- Cut flower potential: The blooms of the 'Bordeaux' make excellent cut flowers, having a good vase life and adding aesthetic value to indoor arrangements.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, these plants are fairly tolerant of drought, making them suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Easy propagation: The plant can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to increase their stock without additional cost.
- Cultural significance: Anemones have a rich history and are often associated with folklore and mythology, providing cultural as well as aesthetic value.
- Seasonal interest: The foliage of Anemone coronaria dies back in the summer, which allows gardeners to plan for a succession of blooms by planting summer-flowering plants in the same space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop - Anemone coronaria flowers, with their deep 'Bordeaux' hue, are often used by photographers to add a splash of color and natural beauty to their compositions.
- Art Inspiration - Artists may draw inspiration from the structure and color of 'Bordeaux' blossoms for paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Dye Source - The rich color of the petals has potential to be used as a natural dye for fabrics or paper.
- Literary Motif - The distinctive beauty of the Bordeaux Anemone can serve as a poetic motif or symbol in literature, representing themes such as fragility and the fleeting nature of beauty.
- Education - Biology and horticulture students might study the growth and reproduction of Anemone coronaria as an example of angiosperm development.
- Wedding Decor - 'Bordeaux' Anemone flowers often find their place in wedding bouquets and centerpieces due to their deep, romantic color.
- Feng Shui - The bloom might be used in Feng Shui to introduce an element of wood energy, signifying growth and vitality, into the home.
- Crafting - Dried petals of the Bordeaux Anemone might be used in crafting activities such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or potpourri.
- Culinary Decoration - Although not for consumption, the blooms could be used temporarily to garnish plates or dessert trays for an elegant presentation.
- Ice Cubes - The petals of Anemone coronaria can be frozen in ice cubes to create a decorative element for punches or cocktails at a special event.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Poppy Anemone is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Poppy Anemone is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Anticipation and Expectation: Anemone coronaria, often known as the poppy anemone, traditionally symbolizes anticipation and the feeling of looking forward to something, perhaps because of the way it closes up at night and reopens in the morning.
- Fragility and Fading Beauty: The delicate nature of the poppy anemone's blossoms is associated with ephemeral beauty and the transient nature of life, a reminder that beauty is temporary and should be cherished.
- Protection from Evil: In some cultures, anemones are considered charms against ill will and misfortune, possibly because the flower was said to have sprung from the blood of the fallen Greek god Adonis.
- Forsaken Love: The poppy anemone is also linked with abandoned love or the loss of a loved one, which relates back to the myth of Adonis and the grief of Aphrodite from ancient Greek mythology.
- Healing: The association of the poppy anemone with healing comes from old herbal traditions where the plant was used for medicinal purposes. It suggests a sense of soothing and overcoming adversity.
WaterThe Poppy Anemone 'Bordeaux' requires consistent moisture, especially during the spring blooming period, but it does not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means providing about 1 inch of water weekly. Adjust the watering schedule during periods of rainfall, reducing the amount you water to compensate for natural precipitation. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of foliar diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for a more targeted approach. During the hot summer months, if the plant is not dormant, you may need to increase the frequency to twice a week, providing a total of approximately 2 gallons per square yard each month.
LightPoppy Anemones, including 'Bordeaux', thrive best in full sunlight to partial shade. They should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, but in regions with very hot summers, protection from intense afternoon sun is beneficial. The ideal spot would allow morning sunshine with dappled or light shade during the harsh midday and afternoon hours.
TemperaturePoppy Anemones, like 'Bordeaux', grow well in temperate climates and prefer a temperature range between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand brief periods of colder weather down to 28 degrees Fahrenheit but are not frost-hardy. During the growing season, maintain temperatures within this range for optimal plant health and bloom quality.
PruningPruning Poppy Anemones, including 'Bordeaux', is primarily to remove spent flowers and any dead or damaged foliage, which encourages further blooming and maintains plant health. This typically can be done after the flowering period, cutting back the stems to just above ground level. Pruning is best performed in late fall or early winter, after blooming has stopped and the foliage has yellowed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Poppy Anemone 'Bordeaux' is a well-draining, light, and loamy soil with added organic matter such as compost. This helps mimic their natural habitat. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. Regular fertilization during the growing season will encourage healthy blooms.
RepottingPoppy Anemones generally do not need to be repotted often as they are not long-lived perennials. Repotting is typically only necessary if you are growing them in containers and they have outgrown their current pot or the soil has become exhausted. It is usually done after the flowering season or during their dormancy in winter.
Humidity & MistingPoppy Anemone 'Bordeaux' prefers moderate humidity levels. While it doesn't require a specific humidity level, it thrives in outdoor environments where the humidity naturally fluctuates. Indoors, normal room humidity is typically adequate, but avoid placing them near heating vents or air conditioners that can dry out the air excessively.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cyclePoppy anemone 'Bordeaux' begins its life as a tuber, which, when planted in the autumn or early spring, will start to develop roots and shoots. The shoots will emerge from the soil, developing into stems and foliage as the plant enters its vegetative stage. Throughout spring and possibly early summer, the plant produces large, velvety, dark red, poppy-like flowers, after which it enters the reproductive phase as insects or wind facilitate pollination. Following successful pollination, seeds are formed and mature, typically during late summer. The plant then begins to die back, entering a period of dormancy where the foliage will wither, and the plant relies on the stored energy in its tuber to survive through the winter. In the next growing season, the cycle restarts as the tuber sprouts anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Anemone coronaria 'Bordeaux', commonly known as Poppy Anemone, is by division of tubers. This is typically done while the plant is dormant, from mid to late summer. Gardeners should carefully lift the clump of tubers from the soil and gently separate them, ensuring that each section has at least one growth point. Once divided, the tubers can be replanted immediately at a depth of approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters), spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil, and in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. By the following spring, the new plants will begin to grow and eventually flower. Regular watering and fertilization will help establish the young anemones and contribute to a robust blooming season.
