
Anemone coronaria resembles poppies but to be fair, it does not need that kind of comparison to be recognised. Its pretty flowers composed of so called tepals (you can call them petals if you like) appear naturally in the Mediterranean region. They grow on stems decorated with a crown of deeply dissected leaves just below the vividly coloured flowers However, the most important part of the plant is the tuber. It allows us to regulate the flowering time of this beautiful plant in such a way that we can enjoy "blue poppies" in midsummer.
They like a lot of sunlight but are grateful for a light shade especially in June and July when the sun rays can be harmful. The tubers last for more than one season in milder regions of Europe. In the norther parts of our beautiful continent they are treated as annuals, still unsurpassable.
According to some books Anemone coronaria symbolises fading youth and all suffering leading to death. Not a very promising and joyous symbol I must say. Despite the gloomy symbolism its flowers very very popular with painters in the past and today we can admire their artistic portraits in museums. And live portraits in the garden.