General Description/History

Anemones are members of the buttercup family. The poppy anemone (A. coronaria) has one large poppy-like blossom on each stalk, which is 15-40 cm high, with ferny leaves just under the flower. There are also double-flowered varieties, in which the stamens in the centre are replaced by a tuft of narrow petals. The flowers are scarlet, crimson, blue, purple and white, many with dark centres. Large breeders include Vegmo (Holland), check the website for more information.

The windflower (or Japanese anemone) is a larger flower with much longer stems. It is a popular garden plant featuring white or pale pink buttercup-like flowers with green centres that flowers in late autumn and early summer.

Anemones are most commonly grown outside in the field in areas east of Melbourne and west of Sydney.

Types: Poppy anemone (Anemone coronaria); Windflower (A. hupehensis var. japonica)

Country Of Origin

China and the eastern regions of the Mediterranean.

What to look for

● Buds need to be fully expanded and coloured, and petals need to be separated from the centre;
● Stems should be straight and strong;
● Avoid bunches with yellow leaves.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool at all times
2. Break bunches apart and wash stems.
3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in cold water immediately.
4. Always use a preservative as this will help buds open and keep open flowers looking fresh.
5. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day.
6. This flower is ethylene sensitive. Keep them away from fruit, car exhausts and cigarette smoke.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

The name ‘Anemone’ comes from the Greek word for wind. It is said that the goddess Flora was jealous of her husband’s attentions towards the nymph Anemone and so transformed her into the wind flower and left her at the mercy of the North Wind.

Despite being known as Japanese anemones, three main species, including that best known as the windflower – A. hupehensis, actually come from China. These were erroneously called Japanese anemones after one particular form was first recorded near Nagasaki in 1695. By the time the first plants reached the west in 1844, they were already known as A. japonica. Most modern varieties are descended from A. x hybrida.

Botanical Name: Anemone coronaria, A. hupehensis var. japonica.

Common Names: Japanese anemone, Poppy anemone, Windflower

Stem Length: 20 to 50 cm

Country of Origin: China and the eastern regions of the Mediterranean

Available Colours: Pink, Purple, Red, White

Season: Summer,Autumn,Winter,Spring

Availability: February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November