La Mona Lisa anemone It is a plant that is not well known by name, but that impresses us with its beauty every time we see it. Since it stands out thanks to its large flowers of vibrant colors.
We are going to learn more about it and discover what care it needs to make it look truly spectacular.
Origin and habitat of the Mona Lisa anemone
We cannot find a specific place of origin for this plant, since It is a hybrid that emerged from the crossing of different species of anemones.
Anemones belong to the genus Anemone, and are herbaceous perennial plants that belong to the Ranunculaceae family.
They stand out for their attractive flowers (single or double, depending on the variety), Therefore, they are highly appreciated in ornamental gardening.
These are terrestrial plants that grow from tubers or rhizomes, and Most of its varieties are easy to grow.
In the specific case of the Mona Lisa anemone, it is common to find this plant in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, in Europe, Asia and North America. Although, being a cultivated variety, It is present in many parts of the world.
As for its curious name, it is likely that it derives from the distinctive and attractive appearance of this plant, or from the beauty of its flowers, reminiscent of beauty in art.
Physical characteristics of the Mona Lisa anemone
It is not uncommon to confuse anemones with poppies, because there are quite a few similarities between their flowers. In fact, there is a variety of anemone that is known as the poppy anemone. That's why, We must pay attention and check the flowers carefully to know exactly what variety we are dealing with.
As a general rule, the petals of the anemone are longer and more oval than those of the poppy, which are wider. One characteristic they do have in common is that The petals have a slightly wrinkled appearance.
In the specific case of the Mona Lisa variety, the flowers are double, formed from multiple layers of petals. This gives them a lush appearance. Besides, Its color can vary from white and pink to more striking tones such as red. Something that makes it even more attractive is that its flowering is very vigorous, it produces a large number of flowers.
It is a delicate plant that can grow well both indoors and outdoors if it receives proper care. But it will always have a compact size.
Of this variety we can highlight:
- Hybrid origin. As we said before, it is the result of artificial hybridization between different species of anemones.
- Variety of colors Being a hybrid, multiple varieties have been created, and it is possible to find some that bloom in purple and even blue.
- Attraction for pollinators. Their large flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, so they are a valuable addition to gardens that seek to attract wildlife.
- Use in floral arrangements. It is a very popular plant in the floriculture industry, where it is often used to make flower arrangements, because it is a fairly long-lasting flower. Furthermore, due to its compact size, it is common to see it in flower beds, borders and flower beds.
- Adaptability. Although originally grown in temperate climates, the Mona Lisa anemone has adapted to a wide variety of climates.
What care does the Mona Lisa anemone need?
You can put one or more of these plants both in your garden or balcony and inside your home. To help your Mona Lisa grow strong and healthy, follow these care tips:
location and light
Find a location for it where it can receive partial light and shade. It is best that it receives sunlight in the morning and shade in the afternoon. Or that Put it in a place where it receives filtered light throughout the day.
Flowers and leaves can be damaged if they are exposed to direct sunlight for many hours, keep this in mind.
Planting medium
The right soil for these plants is one that is fertile, well-drained, and has a pH between acidic and neutral.
You can plant the Mona Lisa anemone in a universal substrate and enrich it with some organic matter or compost to improve its structure and the amount of available nutrients. It's also a good idea to add a little perlite or sand to increase drainage capacity.
As for the pot, Always choose a container that has a drainage hole. If it is a clay pot, it will be easier for the excess water to evaporate than a plastic one.
Watering the Mona Lisa Anemone
The ideal for this plant is that the soil is always evenly moist but not soggy, because too much water can rot the roots, as happens with most plants.
During the hottest time of the year it is advisable to increase the frequency of irrigation and do it at least twice a week.
Fertilization
During the active growing season you can apply a water-soluble fertilizer once a month. Do not overdo it with the fertilizer, because if you exceed the recommended amount The only thing that can happen is that you damage the plant and its flowering becomes poor.
Anemone Propagation
In spring or fall you can propagate the plant by dividing its rhizomes. This helps you grow more plants and, at the same time, rejuvenates the original plant.
Make sure the rhizomes are completely covered, but don't bury them too deeply. Apply a little fertilizer, establish a good irrigation frequency and, in a short time, the new plants will be established.
Protection against frost
This plant is sensitive to extreme cold conditions. If you have it outdoors and live in a place with a cold climate, andIt's better to move it to a more protected location during the winter., so that frost does not fall on it. If this is not possible, try to cover it during winter nights.
Another way to protect your plant from the cold is to apply a layer of organic mulch so that the roots are not exposed to extreme temperatures.
Care after flowering
As the flowers fade, cut the flower stems to encourage the production of new flowers. After the flowering season, take the opportunity to trim away withered and dead leaves.and thus stimulate healthier growth of the plant.
The Mona Lisa anemone is a very beautiful plant, easy to care for, and suitable for both indoors and outdoors. Do you dare to have it at home?