Anemones, not to be confused with the sea anemone (an animal), are perennials with 120 species native to many European countries, North America and Japan. These plants are grown for their pretty flowers that come in shades of reds, yellows, purples, whites, and blue. The leaves are generally lobed or toothed.
Most anemones should be planted in the fall. Anemones prefer moist, well-drained and acidic soil. Bloom times range from spring to autumn. The autumn-blooming Japanese anemone is popular with gardeners.
There are generally 3 types of anemones:
- Spring flowering: Like the name implies, the anemone flowers bloom in the spring.
- Tuberous Mediterranean: these ones flowers during the spring and summer
- Fall flowering: these bloom in late summer to fall and tend to have fibrous roots
USDA HARDINESS ZONES: 4-8 (depending on variety)
Fun Flower Facts about Anemone:
- the Greek philosopher Theophrastus gave this flower its name
- also known as “the daughter of the wind” or windflower because it is said that the wind helps the flowers open up
- in Greek mythology, some believed poppy anemone grew from Aphrodite’s tears. Others say the flowers appeared from Adonis’ blood
- all anemones are poisonous when ingested
- anemone has been used in traditional medicine to relieve cramps, menstrual problems and emotional distress
- in the language of flowers, anemone means fragile
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