Anemone coronaria Bicolor

Anemone coronaria 'Bicolor' is a form close to the wild species Anemone coronaria, that is found around the Mediterranean basin. Its foliage appears in autumn, as a finely cut, small mound during winter. Then it blooms in early spring, with its silky white flowers circled in red with a black heart. This tuberous plant rests in summer. It will thrive in well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.

A perennial bulbous plant, Anemone coronaria is native to the Mediterranean basin to Western Asia. Very easy to grow and quite hardy, it should ideally be planted in full sun, although it will also thrive in partial shade where its vibrant colours will stand out!  From the tuberous stump of this 'Bicolor' Anemone emerge one or more short, slightly hairy flower stems, 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) long, each ending in a single flower 6 cm (2in) in diameter, under which three long and narrow leaves form a toothed collar. Its basal foliage, in a rosette, is deciduous in summer. It consists of dark green, deeply cut leaves, measuring 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long.  The bicoloured flowers appear from March to April-May, with a heart adorned with a crown of dark stamens. The colour of the petals tends to fade at the end of flowering. Once faded, the flower produces fruits and can naturalise in the garden. Then the plant enters a period of rest, but will reappear in the following spring if the soil remains dry enough in winter, for about 5 years.

Anemones are quite easy to establish, they require minimal maintenance, a sunny or partially shaded position suits them, as well as a light and well-drained soil. They can be planted in a flower bed, a rock garden, in borders, flower beds or mixed borders. They are also cultivated in pots and planters on the patio, balcony or window sill. They can be associated with other perennial plants (Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet', Aruncus dioicus 'Kneiffii', Lupin 'Gallery Red', Astilbe arendsii 'Fanal', lobelia speciosa 'Fan Burgundy'), tulip bulbs, daffodils, narcissus, rock plants, as well as small-growing shrubs (Weigela Dwarf Red 'Courtanin', Japanese Quince speciosa 'Hot Fire', Buddleia 'White Chip').

Anemone coronaria is the most common among florists, due to its excellent cut flower longevity, its aesthetics and attractive colours. So take advantage of the brilliant flowering of this Anemone 'Bicolor' to create multicoloured bouquets, picking the flowers when they are barely open!