White anemone

Focal flower · Ranunculaceae

Anemone

Anemone coronaria

Also known as Windflower and Poppy anemone

Dark-eyed spring blooms traditionally associated with anticipation and fleeting love.

Colour: White

Often chosen for sincerity; the dark center gives it drama.

Use in a bouquet All flowers
Peak season
Jan–Apr
Vase life
5–7 days
Birth month
—
Colours
4

What the anemone means

The name is usually traced to the Greek for wind, and anemones are often called windflowers. In Greek myth they were said to spring from the blood of Adonis, or from Aphrodite's tears as she mourned him, which tied them to love, loss, and anticipation. Victorian flower dictionaries gave them readings such as forsaken or expectation. Anemone coronaria grows wild across the eastern Mediterranean and was chosen as Israel's national flower in 2013. Today anemones are mostly given as a stylish spring flower, and their meanings depend a good deal on the teller.

Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.

Often sent for

  • Birthday
  • Just because
  • Anniversary
  • Thank you

By colour

  • White Often chosen for sincerity; the dark center gives it drama.
  • Red Traditionally tied to the myth of Adonis, and to love and loss.
  • Violet blue Associated with calm and anticipation.
  • Pink Often given for affection.

Keeping it fresh

Late fall through spring; a cool-season crop at its best from winter into April.

  1. 1 Anemones keep growing and turning toward light in the vase; leave room and rotate the vase.
  2. 2 Use a few inches of cool water; the soft stems can rot if left standing deep.
  3. 3 Recut stems and refresh the water every day or two.
  4. 4 Keep away from heat and direct sun to extend their life.

Pet safety

  • cats Not listed
  • dogs Not listed
  • horses Not listed

Not listed in the ASPCA plant database. If a pet eats any, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

“Not listed” means the ASPCA has no entry for this plant — not that it is safe. Keep it out of reach.

Source: ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet eats any plant, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

Did you know

Cut anemones open in daylight and close again at night for their first few days in the vase, a movement called nyctinasty.

Pairs well with

Make your own anemone bouquet

Pick a vase, add a card, and share the link — no delivery van, no wilting.

Open Flower Studio