Flower Feature: Anemones

Few flowers are as graceful and elegant as the anemone. They’re downright charming, and some might even call them bashful for the way these flowering plants delicately bloom. Their petals radiate with colors of all kinds, from soft pink to rich violet. They can transform a garden with their innate beauty, and they’re known to sway back and forth with the gentlest of motions.

It’s not just their beautiful appearance that sets anemones apart. Many refer to them as windflowers because the name is derived from the Greek anemos, or “wind.” The name is fitting, too, because even the slightest gust is enough to blow open the flowers, then release their petals to the ground.

The flower itself, according to ancient Greek mythology, was the result of the tears shed by the goddess Aphrodite over the death of her beloved, Adonis. It's said he was killed when the gods grew envious of his affair with the beautiful Aphrodite. As his life slowly ebbed away, Aphrodite wept — and it is said that the anemones sprung forth from her grief.

Meaning of Anemones

Anemones are symbolic of many different emotions. What’s unique about this memorable flower is that it’s capable of opening its petals in the morning and putting on a beautiful show, then closing for the night before repeating the entire process the next day. For that reason, many associate it with the promise of anticipation.

Naturally, different colors are associated with unique meanings. The red anemone is largely linked with death because Adonis bled directly onto the anemones that Aphrodite cried as he lay dying. According to mythology, the anemones turned red as his blood spilled onto them. By contrast, the pink anemone is a symbol of unrequited love. Purple is reflective of safety and protection, while white is linked to sincerity and purity. With so many different meanings associated with them, it’s easy to find an anemone for virtually any occasion.

Caring for Anemones

The beauty of anemones is that, once they’re planted, they’re quite easy to maintain. Established plants require little more than regular watering in well-drained soil. Aim to give them at least four hours of direct sunlight daily. Take note of the weather, too. If it’s rained recently, it’s perfectly fine to skip an occasional watering.

The soil, however, should always be at least slightly moist. Watering slowly will facilitate that best, as it will help the soil absorb the moisture that it needs. Keep an eye on their growth patterns as well. They tend to look great year-round, but in the fall they may take on an unruly appearance after the first cold patch. That’s a good time to prune away any decaying growth.

Celebrating with Anemones

The glorious anemone often plays a starring role in wedding bouquets. Some have especially large flower heads, making them fantastic additions to a more understated arrangement. You might incorporate just a few stems among slightly less substantial stems, or you may even choose to carry an all-anemone bouquet as you walk down the aisle.

Anemones also make lovely gifts for housewarmings, largely because they invite so much color into the home. Whether as a centerpiece on the dining room table or an addition to a foyer or home office, it can make a bright and radiant statement in any capacity. Whether you grow them in your garden or bring them into your home, expect them to have a powerful impact in any space.