Dreaming Swan Anemone Anemone Dreaming Swan = 'Macane004' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Anemone Dreaming Swan is a striking perennial plant known for its elegant blossoms. Its flowers are large and showy, with a unique color palette ranging from pure white to soft lavender. Each bloom cleverly reveals a hint of pale lilac on the reverse of its gracefully arching petals, adding a subtle blush of color when viewed from different angles. This Anemone variety features a central cluster of golden-yellow stamens, which stand out against the delicate petal hues, luring in pollinators and creating a dazzling contrast. The blooms are perched atop slender stems, which sway gently in the breeze, creating a balletic display in the garden. The plant's foliage forms an attractive basal clump of deeply divided, dark green leaves, which provide a lush backdrop for the exquisite flowers. The leaves often have a slightly serrated edge, contributing to the plant's textured appearance. During the blooming season, the Dreaming Swan puts forth its flowers generously, creating a serene swan-like appearance that exudes tranquility and charm. Its dreamy aesthetic makes it a prized addition to garden borders, beds, and containers, where it can be admired up close.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Dreaming Swan Anemone, Dreaming Swan Windflower
Common names
Anemone 'Macane004' (PBR) Dreaming Swan.
- Toxicity
To humans
The Anemone, including the Dreaming Swan variety, can be slightly toxic to humans if ingested. It contains various chemical compounds such as protoanemonin, which can cause mild to severe irritation, and in some cases, blistering upon contact with skin or mucous membranes. If ingested, parts of the plant can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is advisable to avoid consuming any part of an Anemone plant and to handle it with care to prevent potential skin irritation.
To pets
Anemone, including the Dreaming Swan variety, is also toxic to pets. Similar to humans, the toxicity is primarily due to protoanemonin, a compound that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures or tremors when ingested. If a pet consumes parts of an Anemone plant, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention to manage the symptoms and prevent further complications.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Blooms: The Anemone 'Dreaming Swan' produces beautiful flowers with white petals and a purplish-blue reverse, adding aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
- Seasonal Interest: With a long blooming period from late spring to early autumn, it provides extended interest throughout the growing season.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Anemone 'Dreaming Swan' has a good level of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Versatile Planting Options: It works well in borders, cottage gardens, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for growing in areas with colder climates.
- Longevity: As a perennial, it returns each year with proper care, offering a long-term presence in the garden.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Anemone Dreaming Swan can be used in pressed flower art, as its delicate petals can create a beautiful and intricate design once dried and pressed.
- Its stems can be used in basket weaving to create intricate patterns within the basketry, adding a unique touch.
- The plant can serve as a natural dye source; the petals may produce subtle colors for fabric or paper dyeing.
- As a teaching tool in botanical studies due to its interesting characteristics, helping students learn plant identification and reproduction.
- This plant can be used as a peaceful photography subject in gardens due to its elegant blooms and attractive foliage.
- Anemone Dreaming Swan can be featured in fairy gardens as its whimsical appearance adds to the imaginative setting.
- In culinary presentations, its flowers can be used for garnishing dishes, especially desserts, to add an elegant touch (ensure the variety is safe for consumption).
- During environmental art installations, these flowers can be arranged creatively in outdoor spaces to create temporary, site-specific artworks.
- Its dried form can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a natural and appealing scent within the home.
- Used in crafting homemade greeting cards or bookmarks, the petals can be laminated onto paper for a decorative and personal touch.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Anemone is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Anemone is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Anticipation and Expectation: Anemones, in general, symbolize anticipation and the feeling of looking forward to something. 'Dreaming Swan' may reflect the longing or anticipation for the beauty and grace it represents.
- Fragility and Transience: With its delicate appearance, the Anemone 'Dreaming Swan' can represent fragility and the transient nature of life, reminding one to cherish every moment.
- Protection Against Evil: Anemones are often associated with protection against evil and ill wishes, and the 'Dreaming Swan' variety might be seen as a symbol of guarding innocence and purity.
- Lost Love and Forsakenness: In some cultures, anemones are seen as emblems of lost love or being forsaken, perhaps due to their brief lifespan when cut and placed in vases.
- Hope renewal: Blooming in the spring, anemones signify new beginnings and the renewal of hope, which the ‘Dreaming Swan’ could embody with its fresh and vibrant appearance.
- Water
The Dreaming Swan Anemone prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered thoroughly once a week, with adjustments made for rainfall and temperature changes. During the growing season, provide about an inch of water weekly, either through rainfall or by adding water. Ensure that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage a strong root system. It's crucial, however, not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. In hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to maintain soil moisture but cut back during cooler, wetter periods.
- Light
Dreaming Swan Anemone thrives in a spot that receives partial shade to full sun. Ideally, provide morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect the foliage from scorching. They can tolerate full sun in cooler regions, but should always be shielded from the intense midday sun.
- Temperature
The Dreaming Swan Anemone is hardy and can withstand a temperature range of approximately 3°F to 75°F. The ideal growing temperatures are between 40°F and 70°F. These anemones may not survive if the temperature consistently falls below 3°F or rises above 75°F for extended periods.
- Pruning
Prune your Dreaming Swan Anemone to remove spent flowers and encourage reblooming throughout the season. Additionally, cut back the foliage to ground level after the first killing frost in fall or in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning in the dormant period helps prevent disease and promotes vigorous growth in the next season.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Anemone 'Dreaming Swan' prefers well-drained soil enhanced with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. A soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is suitable for optimal growth. Mulching will help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
- Repotting
Anemone 'Dreaming Swan' rarely needs repotting as it is typically planted directly in the garden. In containers, repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot.
- Humidity & Misting
Anemone 'Dreaming Swan' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in average garden conditions without the need for additional humidity adjustments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water regularly, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
- Life cycle
The Anemone 'Dreaming Swan' begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in early spring, develops into a small seedling. The seedling grows and establishes a root system, eventually forming a rosette of leaves. As the plant matures, it sends up flowering stalks in late spring to summer, displaying large white flowers with blue reverse and a central cluster of yellow stamens. After pollination, the flowers produce fruit in the form of small dry achenes that are spread by wind or animal activity. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in late fall or winter, where above-ground growth dies back, and it survives underground through its rhizomatous rootstock. In the subsequent growing season, the Anemone 'Dreaming Swan' re-emerges from its roots to complete the life cycle and begin the process anew.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-early summer
The Anemone 'Dreaming Swan' typically propagates best through division. Division is a process where the root clump of the mother plant is carefully split into smaller sections, each with an adequate amount of root and shoots. This is often done in the spring or autumn when the plant is either just beginning to grow or entering dormancy, respectively. To divide an Anemone 'Dreaming Swan,' carefully dig up the plant, ensuring a generous amount of soil is kept around the roots to minimize shock. Use a sharp knife or spade to split the root clump into several pieces, each with at least one growth bud or eye. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were originally growing at, and water thoroughly. Ensure each new section has enough space to develop, planting them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for mature spread.