Anemone coronaria
poppy anemone
Overview
Anemone coronaria is a tuberous perennial in the Ranunculaceae, growing 6–18 inches (15–45 cm) tall from a knobbly, irregular tuber. The basal leaves are deeply divided into narrow, parsley-like segments, forming a low mound before the flowering stems rise. Each stem carries a single cup-shaped flower 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) across, with 5–8 broad tepals surrounding a dense central boss of dark blue-black stamens; a whorl of finely divided green bracts sits a short distance below the bloom. Wild and cultivated forms range across red, scarlet, violet, blue, pink, and white. Flowering occurs mainly in spring, though autumn-planted tubers in mild climates can flower from late winter. Native to the Mediterranean basin, it grows on rocky slopes, garrigue, and open grassland with dry summers. The tubers go dormant after flowering and rot in soils that stay wet through summer, which limits the plant in heavy, poorly drained ground. Plants are short-lived in cold-winter regions and are often lifted or replaced after a season or two.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean basin, from southern Europe and North Africa to western Asia. It grows on dry, rocky slopes, garrigue, and open grassland.Suggested Uses
Used in spring borders, rock gardens, and containers, and grown widely as a cut flower for its long, straight stems. It also naturalises in well-drained Mediterranean-style plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'6"
Width/Spread6" - 9"
Bloom Information
Flowers mainly in spring, from March to May, with each tuber producing a succession of single blooms over several weeks. In mild-winter climates, autumn-planted tubers flower from late winter onward. Bloom ends as the foliage yellows and the tuber enters summer dormancy.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
red, blue, violet, pink, or whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade on free-draining, sandy or loamy soils of moderate fertility. Water needs are moderate during growth and flowering, dropping to dry as the tubers go dormant in summer. Tubers are soaked for a few hours and planted 2 inches (5 cm) deep in autumn or early spring. Free drainage is needed because tubers rot in wet summer soils. In zones colder than USDA 7 the tubers are lifted after the foliage dies back and stored dry, or grown as annuals. Light feeding during active growth supports flowering.Pruning
Spent flower stems can be removed to keep the planting tidy and reduce seeding. The foliage is left to die back naturally so the tuber can recharge, then cleared once yellowed. No other pruning is required.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons