With their watercolor-paint petals, anemones are one of the daintiest spring flowers. Part of the ranunculus family, and sporting leaves that bring to mind parsley, anemones have a delicate charm and are sometimes called windflowers. Traditionally, as a cut flower, I’ve paired them with other spring delicacies, such as grape hyacinth, narcissus, and other ranunculus. For a more modern look, I’ve paired them here with ingredients that evoke a Mediterranean climate (in late winter or early spring) and arranged them in a terracotta vase.
Photography and styling by Chelsea Fuss.
Anemones will close in the cold and open with light and warmth. Purchase them when they are at least halfway closed, as they will open very quickly, particularly as they are handled and arranged. In a cool environment, out of direct light, they will last for a week. Of course, you must recut the stems at an angle and provide them with fresh water in a clean vase (the best way to ensure long-lasting cut flowers).
Like tulips, they grow taller in the vase, so watch your arrangement change and develop as the days go by. The way the flower changes over the days just adds more interest to the arrangement.
Place larger flowers at the bottom of the arrangement, and lighter, more delicate blossoms at the top of the arrangement, to balance it visually.
So many flowering bulbs, so many ways to use them effectively in a flower bed or container garden. See more of our favorite combinations:
- Expert Advice from Old House Gardens: 10 Ideas for Planning a Spring Bulb Garden
- DIY: An Instant Carpet of Snowdrops
- Gardening 101: How to Plant a Bulb
- 5 Quick Fixes: The Rarified Daffodil
Finally, get more ideas on how to successfully plant, grow, and care for japanese anemone with our Japanese Anemone: A Field Guide.
Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various perennial plants with our Perennials: A Field Guide.
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