ANEMONE

Description

These bright, poppy-like little flowers bloom one per 8–14" (20–36 cm) stem. Blossoms measure 1–3" (2.5–8 cm) across, and their playful secret is that they have no petals! What appear to be petals are actually sepals—the protective outer “leaves” that grow out of the calyx (flower base).

De Caen group Anemone flowers have brightly colored sepals and black anthers (centers). The St. Bridgid group has fancier semi-double and double flowers. Other plant cousins, such as Japenese, Chinese and daisy-flowered Anemone plants, are also popular, both as cut flowers and in the garden. They also grow wild in most temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere.

Anemone plants are nyctinastic, which means they open to face the sun during the day and turn their heads down at night. According to folklore, faries nap in the downturned blossoms, flitting away when the sun’s rays persuade the flowers to reach skyward again.

They keep growing even after they’re cut. They have no scent, and can be dried.

Colors: Sepals are available every color of the rainbow, as well as bicolors; centers may be white, yellow, green, brown or black.

Special Care

Though they look bold, Anemone flowers are actually quite delicate. They are short-lived, ethylene sensitive, susceptible to diseases and prone to wilting, so they must be babied in order to maximize their potential.

Use an anti-ethylene agent along with a floral preservative, and don’t store more than a day or two, at 37–39°F (2.8–3.9°C). Do not mix with daffodils, as the daffodil sap will stop up Anemone stems.

Fun Facts:

• The common name windflower comes from the blossoms’ wide-open presentation, looking as if the wind had blown them open.

• Another common name, Adonis flower, is from a Greek myth that red Anemone flowers sprang to life from drops of the god’s blood as he lay dying from being attacked by a wild boar.

• Favorite flower of actress Anne Hathaway.

• Like other buttercup family members, Anemone flowers are toxic, causing a rash and blistering on the skin, and a very unpleasant ride through the digestive system if eaten.

• A member of the Ranunculaeceae (buttercup) family, Anemone plants are related to columbine, buttercups, wolf’s bane and black cohosh.