Anemone
Common Names: Anemone, windflower, lily of the field, poppy anemone
Botanical names: Anemone, (a-NEM-oh-nee)
Availability: October through May
Vase life: 4 to 8 days
Storage temperatures: 34 - 36 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: Yes
Description: Delicate oval-shaped petals surrounding a dark round center, making cup-shaped solitary flowers. Best if used in a vase arrangement as opposed to worked into floral foam.
Color: red, pink, purple, blue and white
Botanical facts: Anemone is the ancient Greek name meaning windflower, from anemos for wind. In Greek mythology, the anemone symbolized the bloody death of the Greek god Adonis. Bereaved, Aphrodite is said to have used the blood-red anemone to preserve his memory and greet new life in the spring; hence the origin of "Adonis gardens"- clay pots filled with anemones. This relative of the buttercup originated in the Mediterranean.
Design notes: Anemones are heavy drinkers. It is preferable to use them in a vase arrangement as opposed to designing in floral foam.
Purchasing hints: Purchase when the buds are 25 to 50 percent open. There should be a one inch space between the flower head and the collar of the foliage.
Conditioning: Remove all foliage that will be below the water line. Cut stem ends with a sharp knife. Hydrate in a solution of warm water and commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage. Wrap the stems with paper to hold them straight during hydration.
Additional notes: Anemones are very phototropic and will curve toward the light. Even under the best of conditions, anemones do not have a long vase life. Make sure that buyers are aware of this when reselling these flowers.
Video Demonstration: