Flower Encyclopedia
Anemone
Anemone coronaria
Papery petals around a dark center — high contrast and a favorite of modern designers.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
At A Glance
Typical vase life
4–7 days
Availability
Seasonal
Peak months
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Cost
Premium
Fragrance
Little to none
Pollen
Low
Care
Moderate
Out of water
Under 2 hours
Heat tolerance
Low
Cold tolerance
High
Outdoor events
Fair
Around pets
Use caution
Pets in the house? Use caution.
Anemones warrant caution around cats and dogs — plants in the buttercup family contain irritating compounds that can cause drooling, mouth irritation, or stomach upset if chewed. Keep arrangements out of reach, and contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service if a pet ingests any part.
What It Means
Anemones carry mixed old meanings — anticipation and protection against ill will in some traditions, and, in Victorian language, fading hope and remembrance. Today they most often read as delicate anticipation and quiet expectation, and their striking dark eye makes them a designer's signature accent.
Colors it comes in
white · red · pink · purple · blue · burgundy
Coordinates beautifully with
white · charcoal · dusty blue · blush
Season & Sourcing
A cool-season flower most available from late fall through spring, with the best color and quality in winter. Summer supply is limited and heat-sensitive, so plan around the cooler months.
Vase life, honestly
A moderate keeper — four to seven days is typical. The blooms open wide in warmth and close in cool or dark conditions, and they keep growing toward the light, so the arrangement moves noticeably day to day.
Fragrance
Essentially scentless, which keeps them easy around food and fragrance-sensitive recipients.
Keeping It Alive
- 1Recut stems at an angle and place them in cool, clean water right away.
- 2Keep them cool; warmth makes the blooms open fast and shortens their life.
- 3Top off the water daily, as anemones drink quickly.
- 4Expect stems to keep growing and bending toward light — rotate the vase to balance the shape.
- 5Refresh the water and flower food every two days.
What it costs: A premium seasonal specialty — delicate to ship and available in a limited window. Prices ease slightly at the height of winter supply.
Where It Shines
At weddings
A designer favorite for late-winter and spring weddings, especially the white variety with its inky center, which gives high contrast in bouquets and boutonnieres. Their moody, painterly look suits modern and editorial styling.
In sympathy work
White and soft-toned anemones bring a delicate, understated note to smaller sympathy arrangements and home deliveries. Their quiet character suits intimate tributes rather than large standing pieces.
Every day
A special-feeling flower for hostess gifts and just-because bouquets during their cool-season window. A small handful in a bud vase shows off the signature dark eye.
Pairs With
Can't Get It? Try
A Little History
Anemone coronaria is native to the Mediterranean, where it has grown wild for millennia and features in classical myth as the flower said to spring from the blood of Adonis. It became a prized cut flower in modern floristry for its saturated color and dramatic dark center.
Questions People Ask
Why do my anemones open and close?
Anemone blooms respond to light and temperature, opening wide in warm, bright conditions and closing in cool or dark ones. That daily movement is normal and part of their character.
When are anemones in season?
They are a cool-season flower, most available from late fall through spring and best in winter. Summer supply is limited, so ranunculus or poppies can stand in for a similar look.
How long do cut anemones last?
Usually four to seven days. Keeping them cool and topping off their water daily helps them reach the longer end, since they open and fade faster in warmth.
Are anemones a concern around pets?
Yes — as members of the buttercup family they can irritate a pet's mouth and stomach if chewed. If a pet ingests any part, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service.
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