This
was a fine border flower, with its crimson or scarlet
petals and black centres that closely resembled poppies.
According to Hibberd, the anemones could be easily divided
into two classes, the A. coronaria (from 'the
mysterious Levant') and the A. hortensis, which
were the star anemones. Both were garden flowers par
excellence, and Hibberd believed no garden could
have enough of them.
The
poppy, or garland, anemone appears to have been introduced
into England in 1596, with the varieties available to
gardeners rapidly increasing over the following centuries.
Seeds - purchased only from a first-class supplier,
lest the unwary gardener was saddled with second class
or corrupted seeds - could be easily grown.
The
poppy anemone required a deep, rich loamy soil. If raised
from seed, then the seeds should be planted into seed
pans in February, using a light rich soil, which should
then be placed on a gentle hotbed.
As the warmer seasons advanced, the plants should have
more air, allowing them to finish their growth in full
exposure.
In
September the roots were planted into beds of light
rich loam in an open position ... and then the Victorian
gardener sat back and waited for the result. "It
will gladden you in any case - it may even surprise
you," Hibberd said.
Once
the leaves had died, the root should be lifted and stored
in paper bags on in boxes with dry sand, and every year
plant in September, and every year raise a fresh batch
of seedlings.
