by Emma Bradford, FloraLife UK

Anemones are flowers which embody the most beautiful contradictions. They are high in drama due to their stunning colors, yet they remain delicate and ethereal. These flowers offer the perfect visual antidote for any holiday decoration fatigue you may be feeling.

And it’s no coincidence that these flowers bring a breath of fresh air with them, given that they’re commonly known as wind flowers since their Latin name is derived from the Greek word for wind ‘Anemos’.

When purchasing and displaying Anemones, bear in mind that they open up when warmth and in daylight, and close up when cold and in darkness.

Although typically paired with other spring flowers, Anemones are quite capable of holding their own, if not downright stealing the show in any floral arrangement. So, what more perfect way to ring in the New Year than with a bouquet or arrangement of stunning Anemones?

Carnation Care and Handling Tips

 Purchasing

• Anemones can be ethylene sensitive, leading to petal shatter and a shortened vase life if left untreated. Insist that your supplier treats with an ethylene action inhibitor such as EthylBloc™ or FloraLife® EthylGuard to protect against exposure. Do not store or display near ripening produce or products that produce ethylene.
• Choose strong stems with flowers closed or just beginning to open, although be aware that flowers will close naturally when in cold and dark conditions.

Shipping and storage

• Shipping and storage temperatures should be 34 – 38° F.
• Stems should be shipped and packaged to minimize damage in transit.
• Anemones are susceptible to stem bending and may benefit from upright shipment.

Re-hydration at Store level and storage

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a flower food holding solution such as FloraLife® Express 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/ galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F.
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out when rotating Anemones or any other flowers.

Vase Care

• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.
• If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in properly dosed vase solution (Flower Food and water) containing FloraLife Crystal Clear® (the perfect solution for clear vases), or FloraLife® Express 300 (the no-cut premium solution).
• Keep away from direct sunlight and fruits.

Common Defects:

• Petal shatter – associated with ethylene sensitivity.
• Relatively short vase life (3-8 days).
• Leaf yellowing – may benefit from bulb specific flower foods.
• Stem bending – may benefit from upright shipping.
• Prone to water stress – dry shipped flowers should be processed immediately into holding solution.

Special Considerations:

• Anemones are ethylene sensitive, leading to petal shatter, and shortened vase life. Treating with an ethylene inhibitor such as EthylBloc™ or FloraLife® EthylGuard to protect against exposure can help prevent these issues.
• Other causes for poor vase life can be cut stage, product age (stored too long) or storing dry for long periods.
• Do not require high sugar – can use holding solutions.
• Susceptible to stem burn in floral foam – use OASIS® Floral Foam Maxlife.
• Sap may be irritating to skin.

To learn more about care and handling from the flower care experts visit us at www.floralife.com