Many know Scarlett Pimpernel as the famous name used by French Revolution novelist Beroness Orczy whose hero Sir Piercy Blakeney who used the flower as his trademark when rescuing his victims from the Reign of Terror.
Description
When some think of Scarlett Pimpernel, they think of the famous literary character, but it is also known as the common name of a flower that is regarded as a weed in the Northern Hemisphere. This flower is known by other names such as "red chickwood", "poor man’s weather glass", "red pimpernel" amongst other names. Scarlet pimpernel flowers are low growing plants which originated in Europe and can be found in North America and Asia.
The Scarlet pimpernel opens when the sun is out and closes when bad weather approaches. They also close when it is humid or damp. This is the reason why the flower is sometimes called "shepherd’s weather glass" or "poor man’s weather glass." Pimpernels are well known for not only predicting the weather but it is also known for telling what time of day it is. These flowers open at 8:00 am and close at 3:00pm. Scarlett pimpernels are usually red-orange, and sometimes blue or white. These flowers are commonly found on roadsides, waste areas, coastal cliffs,and sandy soils.
Growing Scarlet Pimpernel
Scarlet pimpernels thrive best in full sun light. They favor sandy soils and well drained conditions according to How Stuff Works. These flowers are in bloom from late spring through the summer months. They should be planted six inches apart after danger of frost. It is best to plant scarlet pimpernels during the summer months. If you are considering planting scarlet pimpernels, you should plant them as seeds. The seeds usually germinate within 18 days at 60 F indoors.
Pimpernels can be used to decorate rock gardens. They are also ideal for decorating edges of pathways and flower borders. Scarlet pimpernels can be grown in flower pots which should be placed in a window where it can receive plenty of sunlight. Pimpernels can continue flowering in the fall and winter months.
Other Facts About Scarlet Pimpernels
In the past, scarlet pimpernels have been used to treat toothaches, liver problems, and kidney inflammations. The plant was sometimes call "laughter bringer" or "shepherd’s joy" because it was used to treat melancholia. This plant is very common and widespread, it is not at risk of threat and conservation of this flower isn’t necessary at this time.
Sources:
Burrell, C. Colston. "Scarlet Pimpernel Poor-Man’s Weatherglass." How Stuff Works
"Scarlet Pimpernel." Connecticut Botanical Gardens.
"The Scarlet Pimpernel Flower." Scarlet Pimpernel
"Scarlett Pimpernel (Anagallis Arvensis)." Arkive.
