Anemone coronaria Hollandia

Anemone coronaria 'Hollandia' is a variety of anemone with single flowers carried on sturdy, relatively long stems,  ideal for bouquets. It blooms throughout spring, generously producing single cup-shaped flowers in a vibrant poppy red colour, marked with a white centre surrounding a black stamen centre. This ephemeral tuberous plant thrives longer in cooler climates with dry summers. It is best planted in spring, in well-drained soil and a sunny location.

The upright bulbous perennial plant, Anemone coronaria, is native from the Mediterranean basin to Western Asia.  Very easy to grow and fairly hardy, the 'Hollandia' variety thrives in full sun, although it also enjoys partial shade where its vibrant colours shine! From the stump, one or more slightly hairy floral stems, measuring 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14in), emerge, each ending with a single flower measuring 6 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) in diameter. Below each flower, three long and narrow leaves form a serrated collar. Its basal foliage, in a rosette shape, is deciduous in dry climates and in winter in cooler climates. It consists of dark green, deeply cut leaves, measuring 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long. From March to April-May, the bicolored flowers with a dark stamen centre appear. The colour of the petals tends to fade towards 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.

Anemone coronaria Hollandia are easy to plant and require minimal maintenance. Their colourful and vibrant flowering is truly stunning. They thrive in full sun or partial shade, as well as in light and well-drained soil. They can be planted in a flower bed, rock garden, Mediterranean garden, borders, flower beds, or mixed borders. They are also easy to grow in pots and containers on the patio, balcony, or window sill. They can be paired with other perennial plants such as Potentilla 'Gibson's Scarlet', Aruncus dioicus 'Kneiffii', or Lupin 'Gallery Red'. Add some tulip, daffodil, or narcissus bulbs to this composition, as well as small shrubs such as a dwarf red Weigela 'Courtanin' or a Japanese Quince speciosa 'Hot Fire'.

Take advantage of its excellent cut flower longevity, its aesthetic appeal, and attractive colours. Create multicoloured bouquets by mixing different varieties of anemones and picking the flowers when they are just starting to open!