Description
Anemone St Brigid Mixed: A Beautiful Addition to Your Garden
Anemone St Brigid Mixed (Anemone coronaria), a hardy perennial corm in the Ranunculaceae family, is a captivating blend of double-flowered Anemones, bringing a mix of brilliant colours to any garden. This collection showcases a delightful variety of hues with lush, layered blooms, each featuring a striking dark centre for added contrast. Blooming from mid-winter through spring and sometimes extending into early summer in suitable climates, St Brigid Mixed creates an enchanting, timeless display on sturdy stems above fern-like foliage, making it perfect for mass planting in garden beds, borders, and compact floral arrangements.
Benefits of Growing Anemones
Low-maintenance and versatile, Anemone St Brigid Mixed adds brilliant colour to gardens and makes excellent cut flowers, lasting 7 to 10 days indoors. Ideal for creating stunning mass displays in garden beds, these anemones pair beautifully with other spring-flowering bulbs. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, they tolerate frost once established, making them adaptable across various climates.
Caring for Anemones
Anemones can be grown as annuals, biennials, or perennials. Planting new corms every 2-3 years refreshes garden colour, maintaining health and visual appeal.
Uses of Anemones
Anemones are ideal for mass plantings, companion planting, and adding soft, romantic colour to pots, containers, and wildflower gardens. Their charming blooms make excellent cut flowers, while their natural look complements wildflower gardens.
Planting and Climate Adaptability
Anemones are adaptable and can be planted in autumn (March onwards), ideally completing planting by late autumn to allow roots to be established before the cooler months. These resilient plants are suitable for various garden settings and climates, including cool to mild tropical regions.
When Your Anemones Arrive
If you receive your Anemones during planting time, plant corms in well-drained soil at 4-8 cm depth. For delayed planting, store corms in a cool, dry place, using aerated bags or paper bags for airflow. If planting season ends, store corms until next season. Container planting can extend growing time with controlled conditions.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Location: Choose a full sun position.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil; add compost for fertility. For containers, use quality potting mix.
- Soak Corms: Soak corms in lukewarm water for 1-4 hours before planting.
- Plant Corms: Plant 4-8 cm deep and 15 cm apart for garden beds; space 7-10 cm in pots.
- Watering: Water thoroughly post-planting, maintaining moisture without overwatering.
- Fertilising: Use a balanced, organic or chemical fertiliser at planting, then a liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks.
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
- Support: For tall varieties, add stakes as needed.
Aftercare
In cool to arid climates, leave corms in the ground during dormancy. In hot, humid areas, lift corms once foliage has naturally died back, and store them in a cool, dry place to preserve energy for future growth. For container-grown plants, simply move pots to a sheltered spot during dormancy. Replant stored corms at the start of the next season for a fresh, vibrant display.
Pests and Diseases
Anemones may face:
- Slugs and Snails: Handpick pests or use barriers.
- Aphids: Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Corm Rot and Fungal Diseases: Ensure proper drainage to prevent rot.
- Powdery Mildew: Maintain airflow to avoid mildew.
Safety and Handling
While Anemones aren’t toxic, keep them out of reach of children and pets to avoid ingestion. For those with sensitive skin, gloves may be worn as a precaution.
Final Tips
To enjoy Anemone St Brigid Mixed as cut flowers, harvest when buds start to open. Trim stems at an angle, remove lower leaves, and place them in cool water. Keep vases in a cool location, refreshing water every 2-3 days to maintain freshness.
Supplied as dormant corms.