The red poppy anemone
Red is the original colour of the wild Anemone coronaria, which has red petals around a dark centre. Garden forms give the same dramatic contrast. It is a cut flower for the cool months of the year, when florists want strong colour.
An Irish red
The St Brigid group of anemones, which was raised in Ireland, includes 'The Governor', a red semi-double. If you are looking for a locally linked cultivar to grow in your own garden, look for the name on bulb and tuber lists.
How to bring out the colour
- Place red anemones against pale walls or in a white jug.
- Mix with ivy trailing from the vase.
- Keep out of direct sun so petals do not scorch.
Planting tubers
Soak the dry tubers in water for a few hours, then plant them 5 centimetres deep in free-draining soil. In wet Irish clay the tubers can rot, so work in grit. Spring-planted tubers flower in summer, and autumn-planted ones can flower in spring in sheltered areas.
Anemones in the language of flowers traditionally carry the idea of anticipation, and red adds a layer of passion. The wild red form grows on Mediterranean hillsides, which is where the cultivated poppy anemones began.
Safety
Anemones contain protoanemonin. The sap can blister skin and irritate the mouth. Wear gloves when handling stems, wash your hands, and keep the vase out of reach of pets and young children.
