Anemone Flowers – The Many Varieties of the Pretty Blossoms

Anemone is a genus that consists over 120 species of perennial flowering plants. They can be grown in home gardens and provide some really beautiful flowers year around. While cultivating, one has to remember that each anemone variety has a different soil, sun and nutrient requirement for its proper growth.

Anemone Flowers – The Beautiful Varieties

Mentioned in Greek legends, anemone flowers are also known as windflowers, signifying that the wind blows open their petals. The anemone plants are evergeeen perennials and can have tuberous, fibrous or rhizomatous roots. If the plant has a tuberous root then you should separate the tubers when they are dormant, during summer and then plant them during fall. Most anemone flowers are the spring varieties, while the Mediterranean ones bear flower in summer and spring. The large fall flowers bloom during late summer to fall and mostly have a fibrous root system. The flowers are mostly in shades of white, red, blue and sometimes yellow and are slightly cup-shaped. Most home gardeners tend to buy the tuberous spring flowers, but different anemones have different growth requirements. Some flowers thrive in sunny to partial shady conditions and need well-drained rich soil, while others need full sun and sandy soil. Read up the instructions and match them with your region before buying and planting them.

Japanese Anemone – Charming Blooms

Anemone hupehensis or the Japanese anemone is the herbaceous variety and has some of most beautiful fall blossoms. The plant is erect and generally grows to around 5 feet and has a stately appearance. The leaves are glossy and green and the flowers grow to about 2 to 4 inches in diameter in a rough cup-shape. There are single, double or semi-double forms varieties and colors vary from pale frosty white, coral, rosy pinks to deep carmine. Japanese anemone grows best in the shade and under the protection of larger plants or walls or even a shady roof. They can be great garden companions to other flowering plants and especially during fall when most flowers fall off, so instead of a barren garden, you’ll have some lovely fall flowers blooming. Remember not to over-water them or keep them too dry as these plants are very sensitive. These varieties require a neutral or alkaline soil, so add lime if the soil isn’t already prepared. It is simple enough to grow these plants with a little bit of care and lots of attention.

Anemone Nemorosa – Wood Anemone

Commonly known as thimbleweed, wood anemone and smell fox, the anemone nemorosa is an early spring flower that grows between 5 to 15 cms in height and has starry white blossoms that surround a central ring of yellow stamens. The plant is delicate and forms a very elegant spring woodland carpet, especially when grown in companionship with flowers like Bluebells. However, wood anemones are poisonous. They contain toxins that are fatal to animals and humans, and can cause severe gastrointestinal and skin irritation, burning sensations, ulcers, bitter tastes and blood vomit. Traditionally, the nemorosa is used for treating headaches and for other medicinal purposes as well. Anemones are beautiful flowering plants and it’s a really great idea to plant some around your home.

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