Anagallis
( an - ag - GAL - iss )
At-A-Glance InformationAnagallis, also called Pimpernel, is a genus of annual and perennial flowering plants that are great for container plantings and hanging baskets as well as carpeting empty areas of the garden. They need full sun and little to regular water, typically flowering in summer and fall. The flowers are followed by seed capsules that are green at first, turning brown with maturity. Pimpernel is poisonous to dogs and humans, so take care when planting it in your yard if you have pets that like to graze or children.
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Anagallis Species and Varietals
The genus Anagallis includes about 20-25 species of flowering plants and is part of the family Primulaceae. Its botanical name is a reference to the Greek for 'again' (ana) and 'to delight in' (agallein), which is a reference to the tendency of the plant's flowers to open and close in response to changes in its environment. The genus was once The best growing zones for Anagallis vary depending on the species. See the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Anagallis arvensis (Scarlet Pimpernel, Poor Man's Barometer) This annual grows in zones 1-24, and is a low-growing, weedy plant. Native to Europe, this species has bright green leaves and red flowers. Variety Anagalis arvensis caerulea has deep blue flowers that are larger than the species. These plants tolerate most soils and heat and will thrive in dry gardens, rock gardens, and does very well in containers. |
Anagallis hybrids These summer annuals vary in habit and height; all are great choices for adding color to containers and hanging baskets. 'Cinnamon' has medium pink blooms, 'Spice' has light pink flowers. Both of these have a low-growing (to 3 inches tall) and spreading habit, and leaves are small and somewhat spicy-scented. Hybrids in the Wildcat series are around 6-12 inches high and and comes in shades of blue, pink, and orange. These hybrids grow best in zones 1-24. |
Anagallis monelli (Blue Pimpernel) This perennial species of Anagallis grows best in zones 4-9 and 12-24. Native to the Mediterranean, this plant gets to 1-1.5 feet tall and wide, with intense blue flowers. 'Skylover' are great plants, and 'Phillipsii' is more compact, topping out at around a foot tall. Anagalis monelli linifolia has narrower leaves than the species. All bloom from summer to the first frost of the year. |
Caring for Anagallis
Plant your Anagallis in an area of your garden that receives full sun; they can either be grown as container plants or in the ground, though keep in mind that they can be invasive, spreading via above-ground stolons. Otherwise, they are low-maintenance and need little water. They prefer soil that is well-draining but are not picky about acidity or composition. Pimpernel can be grown in rocky soils that are not nutrient-rich. Prune these plants to control growth and deadhead to discourage free-seeing and to keep the plant looking tidy throughout the growing season. Apply a well-balanced fertilizer monthly during the flowering season to boost blooms.
Propagation
Pimpernel is best propagated via seed. To propagate your plant, you will need a pot or tray, potting soil, a pencil, and a spray bottle filled with water. Once you have gathered your materials, follow the directions below:
Propagating Anagallis by Seed
Propagating Anagallis by Seed
- Harvest your seeds. You'll notice that, if you leave your spent flowers on the plant, that seed pods will form and open to release their seeds once they have dried. Once they have reached this stage, you can harvest the seeds inside. Harvest as many as you can, and place all of them in your tray or pot on the surface of the soil. The more seeds you plant, the more chances you will have to get a viable seed that will germinate and sprout.
- Barely cover the seeds with potting soil (about 1/4 inch) and keep the soil moist but not wet by spraying it with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 30-45 days.. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own 3-inch pots. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot. Continue to pot up your seedlings as necessary.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant(s) in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight). Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of spring has passed before planting them outside.
Problems and Pests
Anagallis, widely considered a low-maintenance garden plant, does not have any serious pest or disease issues, though it is somewhat susceptible to the following:
- Aphids
- Root Rot
Gallery
Videos
All about how to identify Pimpernel plants.
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A video about the Wildcat series of Pimpernel.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 150, Anagallis
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