Poppy anemone Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' (Mona Lisa Series)
ABOUT
The Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' from the Mona Lisa Series is a captivating plant known for its striking flowers. The blossoms of 'Sylphide' have a brilliant, poppy-like appearance which makes them stand out in any garden. Each flower showcases a lush, velvety texture and presents a vivid pink hue that can range from a soft pastel to a more intense fuchsia tone. At the center of the bloom, there's a contrasting dark disk, encircled by a ring of prominent yellow stamens, which adds to the flower's ornamental appeal. The blooms are carried atop slender, erect stems that gracefully rise above the foliage. The plant's leaves are divided into several deep lobes, creating a delicate, feathery look. These leaves often have a dark green color, which provides a beautiful background that further accentuates the vibrancy of the flowers themselves. The overall form of 'Sylphide' is clump-forming, allowing for a bushy appearance that fills its space with texture and color. As part of the Mona Lisa Series, 'Sylphide' has been bred for excellent flower production and is known to attract the attention of onlookers when in full bloom. Its showy character and delightful hues make it a superb choice for cut flower arrangements, where its long-lasting blooms can be appreciated up close. When planted in groups or drifts within a garden setting, 'Sylphide' creates a sea of pink that adds a romantic and whimsical touch to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Poppy Anemone, Windflower, Spanish Marigold, Crown Anemone
Common names
Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide'
ToxicityTo humans
Anemone coronaria, commonly known as poppy anemone, is considered mildly toxic to humans. If ingested, it can cause irritations in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritations if handled excessively. It is advisable to avoid ingesting any part of the plant and to wear gloves when handling it to prevent skin irritation.
To pets
Poppy anemone is also toxic to pets. If your pet ingests part of this plant, it may experience drooling, mouth pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the skin can cause irritation and dermatitis. It is important to keep this plant out of reach of pets and to seek veterinary care if you suspect that your pet has ingested any part of it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet 4 inches (40 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' is highly valued for its vibrant, cup-shaped flowers that add a pop of color to any garden space.
- Spring Interest: Blooming in spring, this plant provides an early source of nectar and color, bridging the gap between winter and summer flora.
- Low Maintenance: The plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established in a suitable location with well-drained soil.
- Great for Cut Flowers: The flowers have long stems and a long vase life, making them ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: It attracts bees and other pollinators, which are vital for the health of any garden ecosystem.
- Compact Size: With its modest height, this anemone is suitable for small gardens, containers, or borders without overwhelming the space.
- Versatile Planting: It can be planted in flower beds, rock gardens, and borders, offering versatility in garden design.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which helps to avoid damage in gardens prone to deer visits.
- Seasonal Variability: With different cultivars in the Mona Lisa series, gardeners can enjoy a range of colors and bloom times.
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: The vibrant bloom of the Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' is often used by photographers as a backdrop or focus for artistic photography, enhancing the visual appeal of the composition.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators may use this anemone variety in lessons on plant reproduction, demonstrating petal and color variation as well as pollination strategies.
- Dye Production: The petals of the Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' can be used to produce natural dyes for fabric, artwork, or food coloring, showcasing a vivid pink hue extracted from its blossoms.
- Bookmarks: Dried petals of the Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' can be laminated and used as decorative bookmarks, preserving their beauty and making a unique accessory for book lovers.
- Crafting Material: Fresh or dried petals can be incorporated into crafts such as homemade paper, pressed flower art, or potpourri, adding color and a touch of nature to handcrafted items.
- Wedding Decor: As a symbol of anticipation and luck, individual stems or petals of Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' can be used in bridal bouquets or as table decorations at weddings.
- Garden Pest Control: Planting Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' within a vegetable garden can attract beneficial insects which can help control pest populations.
- Frost Indicator: The petals of Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' can serve as an informal frost indicator; they tend to close up when cold weather approaches, signaling gardeners of potential frost.
- Floral Ice Cubes: Petals of the Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' can be frozen in ice cubes to add an elegant and colorful touch to drinks served at special events or summer parties.
- Culinary Decoration: While not typically consumed, the petals of Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' can be used as a non-toxic decorative element on cakes and desserts, to be removed before consumption.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Poppy Anemone is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Poppy Anemone is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Anticipation and Expectation: The Anemone, often referred to as the windflower, has a symbolism connected to anticipation and expectation due to its characteristic of closing at night or before a rainstorm and opening with the light, which represents an eager anticipation for what's to come.
- Fragility and Transience: The Anemone's delicate appearance and the brief duration of its blossoms convey the ephemeral nature of life and beauty, reminding us of the fragility and transient nature of existence.
- Protection Against Evil: In folklore, anemones were thought to bring luck and protect against evil. This belief possibly stems from the Greek mythology where the anemone emerged from the tears of Aphrodite as she mourned Adonis, suggesting a talisman-like quality of protection.
- Forsaken Love: The anemone sometimes symbolizes forsaken or abandoned love. The association with the death of Adonis and Aphrodite's tears imbue the anemone with a sad love narrative, making it a symbol of love that has ended sadly or prematurely.
WaterPoppy anemone 'Sylphide' requires moderate watering, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Typically, you should water this plant once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. During the active growing season in spring and early summer, be attentive to the soil's moisture level, especially in dry conditions, and water accordingly. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Use a watering can or a gentle stream from a garden hose to water at the base of the plant, ensuring the foliage remains dry to prevent disease.
LightPoppy anemone 'Sylphide' thrives in full sun to partial shade. For best growth and flowering, place the plant in a location where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade will protect the plant from the intense sun and help maintain vibrant flower colors.
TemperaturePoppy anemone 'Sylphide' prefers temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. The ideal conditions for this anemone include cool nights and mild daytime temperatures to promote prolonged blooming.
PruningPrune poppy anemone 'Sylphide' by deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. This should be done throughout the blooming season, as flowers fade. Besides deadheading, cut back the foliage after it has yellowed and died back naturally, usually in late summer or fall, to prepare the plant for its dormant period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPoppy anemone prefers well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part compost is ideal. Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingPoppy anemones usually do not require frequent repotting. Repot only if the tubers become overcrowded, typically every 2 to 3 years, during their dormancy period in the summer.
Humidity & MistingPoppy anemone thrives in moderate humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level between 40-60% for best growth conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun; protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleAnemone coronaria 'Sylphide', commonly known as Poppy Anemone, begins its life cycle as a tuber, which is planted in the fall in mild climates or early spring in colder regions. Once the soil temperature reaches a suitable level, the tuber sprouts and produces a rosette of leaves, followed by long-stemmed flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. After flowering, the plant sets seed, and the foliage dies back as the plant enters a period of dormancy during the hot summer months. In late summer or early fall, the plant may produce a second set of leaves, preparing for the next flowering season. During dormancy, the tubers can be left in the ground in warmer climates, or they can be lifted and stored in colder regions to protect them from frost. The following season, the life cycle repeats with the tubers regenerating into new plants, continuing the growth and reproduction cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide', commonly known as the Windflower, is through division of tubers. This is typically done in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. Gardeners should carefully lift the clump from the ground and gently tease apart the tubers, ensuring that each section has at least one growth point or eye. These divided tubers then can be replanted at a depth of about 1.5 to 2 inches (approximately 3.8 to 5 cm) in well-draining soil, spaced around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart to allow ample room for growth. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage rooting. This method allows for new, identical plants to establish and bloom in the following season.
