This tuberous short-lived perennial is native to the Mediterranean and a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) that also includes delphinium, clematis, and hellebore. The poppy-like flowers lack petals but have red, white, or blue showy sepals surrounding a dark center. They are carried singly on stems six to eighteen inch tall in early spring. Both single and double flowered cultivars are available. The medium green leaves are 1-2″ long, divided, and fern-like but disappear in the summer when the plants go dormant. Poppy anemone can be grown in containers and is an excellent cut flower. The genus name, Anemone, is probably a corrupted Greek loan word of Semitic origin referring to the lament for the slain Adonis or Naaman, whose scattered blood produced the blood-red Anemone coronaria. The specific epithet, coronaria, comes from the Latin word corona meaning crown, garland or halo. All parts of the plant are poisonous when fresh.
Type: Herbaceous perennial often grown as annual
Bloom: Red, white, or blue flowers 2.5” wide with dark center in early spring
Size: 8-18” H x 6-8” W
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Average, medium moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 6-9
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed
Companion plants: Glory of the snow (Chiondoxa sp.), squill (Scilla sp.), striped squill (Puschkinia scilloides), Crocus, Iris reticulata
Outstanding Selections:
De Caen hybrids (Single flowers)
St. Bridget hybrids (Double flowers)
Karen Meyers