Anemone coronaria: Windflower Power
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What is Anemone coronaria?
They may be delicate in appearance, but don’t be fooled, anemones pack serious flower power. The word "anemone" itself is derived from the ancient Greek word anemos, which means "wind". Known as windflowers, these graceful blooms get their name from the way their petals dance in the breeze, bringing movement and color to the spring garden.
Part of the buttercup family, anemones grow wild across much of the temperate world, but it’s Anemone coronaria (also called the poppy anemone or windflower) that has captured the hearts of gardeners and florists alike. With jewel-toned blooms, dark contrasting centers, and stems that stand tall above frilly foliage, they’ve long been a springtime favorite.
These flowers shine in just about every setting, from beds and borders to containers and cutting gardens. Their strong, long-lasting stems also make them a florist’s dream. Here at Hedgehog Flower Farm, we love them for their reliability, resilience, and the sheer burst of joy they bring each season. Best of all, despite their refined looks, anemones are surprisingly easy to grow, making them a rewarding choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
Planting Anemone coronaria
Anemone coronaria is hardy in USDA zones 7–10, where it can easily naturalize. In colder climates, the plants should be treated as annuals or the corms can be dug up and overwintered indoors. Planting time varies by zone. In warmer regions, planting in autumn ensures a spectacular display in late winter through spring. In cooler climates, corms should be planted in late winter or early spring, about six weeks before the last expected frost. Successive plantings every two to three weeks can help extend the blooming season.
The plants grow from solid, shriveled corms, which should be soaked in water for several hours, or overnight, before planting. This rehydrates the corms and encourages quicker sprouting. Once ready, plant them about three inches deep and three inches apart in sandy, well-drained soil enriched with compost or a slow-release bulb fertilizer. Although its best to plant with the pointed side facing down, orientation does not matter as the flowers will always find their way upward.
Anemones prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter regions where afternoon protection is beneficial. You should water the corms after planting to settle the soil, but only once initially. Avoid overwatering, as anemones are prone to root rot in soggy soil. After the initial watering, only water again if the soil is dry, and allow it to dry out between waterings to prevent waterlogging.
Care & Maintenance
Anemones thrive in cool weather and will slow down once soil temperatures consistently rise above 75°F. To keep them healthy and blooming for as long as possible, provide steady moisture without overwatering, as soggy soil can quickly lead to rot. A layer of organic matter or mulch can help retain soil moisture while improving overall soil health.
During the growing season, it’s important to remove spent blooms regularly, which encourages continued flowering. At the end of their season, allow the foliage to die back naturally as this process helps the corms store energy for future growth. In regions with cold winters, the corms should be dug up once the leaves yellow and stored indoors until planting time the following spring.
While generally hardy, anemones are susceptible to a few issues. Aphids are a common pest, and diseases such as mildew or rot can arise in poorly ventilated or overly damp conditions. Providing good air circulation, practicing careful watering, and removing any unhealthy foliage will help minimize problems.
Harvesting & Floral Use
Anemones have long been admired by florists for their versatility and charm. With a vase life of seven to ten days, sometimes longer when properly cared for, they make excellent cut flowers that bring a burst of color into any arrangement. To harvest, cut the stems when the blooms are just beginning to open, ideally in the morning when temperatures are cool. Place them immediately into clean, cool water to maximize freshness.
These flowers have an enchanting habit of opening and closing in response to temperature and light, something called “nyctinasty”, adding an extra layer of beauty and character to floral displays. Modern breeding has also led to stronger, sturdier stems, making them even more reliable for design work. A single corm can produce up to twenty or more blooms in a season, making them not only beautiful but also highly rewarding for both home gardeners and professional growers.
Popular Anemone Series & Varieties
Classic Groups
- De Caen: Heirloom, single-petaled varieties with large, vivid flowers.
- St. Brigid: Heirloom, double-petaled varieties with fuller, ruffled blooms.
Modern Cultivar Series
- Carmel Series: Known for bold colors, huge blooms, and strong 16" stems. Best in full sun.
- Galilee Series: Early bloomers with medium to large flowers, high bud count, and 18–24" stems. Perform well in cooler temperatures and tolerate part shade.
- Marianne Series: A French variety with 16" stems, large flowers, and 10–20 blooms per corm.
- Full Star Series: Fully double, pompom-like blooms available in many colors. Consistent and low-maintenance.
Conclusion
Anemone coronaria is a flower that brings both elegance and resilience to the garden. From their frilly, fern-like foliage to their jewel-toned blooms, these windflowers embody the charm of early spring. With proper planting and care, they reward you with a burst of color and a cutting garden full of long-lasting stems.
Whether you choose classic heirloom groups like De Caen and St. Brigid, or modern series like Carmel, Galilee, or Full Star, these flowers are true showstoppers. Pair them with fellow spring bloomers such as ranunculus, tulips, or daffodils for breathtaking displays indoors and out.
At Hedgehog Flower Farm, we love the joy and color anemones bring each season and we’re thrilled to share them with you. Ready to add some windflower power to your garden?
Check out our most popular Anemone varieties like Full Star Strawberry and Galilee Pastel Mix and more or check out some of the bundles we have to offer like our Color Pops bundle or Moody & Maudlin bundle where you can grow three types of anemones alongside ranunculus. You'll be swimming in blooms come spring!