Anemone coronaria aka Windflower

Taxonomy

Anemone coronaria, also known as the poppy anemone, Spanish marigold, or windflower, is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Native to the Mediterranean region, this upright perennial grows from rhizomatous tubers and has medium green leaves, with basal leaves being biternate and involucral leaves being deeply divided. In spring, solitary, showy, poppy-like, single flowers (2.5” diameter) bloom on stems rising to 10-12” tall. Flowers come in shades of blue, red, or white with black centers. After flowering, plants go dormant. While species plants are not commonly sold in commerce due to the availability of more colorful cultivars in both single and double flowered forms, popular cultivar groups include De Caen (single) and St. Brigid (double). Additional common names for this plant include lilies of the field. The genus name is often said to be derived from the Greek word anemos meaning wind, while the specific epithet means used for or pertaining to garlands. Poppy Anemone is easy to grow as a houseplant and needs regular watering. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and well-draining soil. However, it should not be consumed as it is extremely dangerous.

Common names

Windflower, Poppy Anemone, Anemone

How to care for Windflower

Difficulty

Windflower is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Windflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Windflower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Windflower requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Windflower will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Windflower is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.


More info:
Wikipedia