Anemone Plant Care And Growing Guide

Anemones, commonly known as windflowers, encompass various species within the Anemone genus. The name originates from the Greek word "anemos," meaning wind. In Greek mythology, it is said that anemone flowers arose from a blend of Aphrodite's tears and Adonis's blood, symbolizing the brief and tragic beauty of their love.

Despite their dramatic symbolism, anemones are relatively modest in size and are sometimes mistaken for daisies. While all anemones belong to the buttercup family, their individual characteristics can vary widely among species.

The plants contain protoanemonin, a substance that renders all parts of the plant moderately toxic to humans and mildly toxic to pets.

With so many types of anemones to choose from, start by learning about these popular species:

Anemone blanda (Balkan anemone)

Anemone blanda, also known as Grecian windflower, is a low-growing perennial bulb native to southeastern Europe and Turkey. It blooms in early spring, producing daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, blue, or white, making it a popular choice for naturalizing in gardens.

Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone)

Anemone nemorosa, native to Europe, blooms in early spring as a perennial herbaceous plant reaching heights of 5–15 cm (2–6 in). It thrives in woodland settings, spreading via rhizomes to form carpets of white or pale blue star-shaped flowers. Its name reflects its natural habitat, where it can be found carpeting the forest floor in early spring.

Anemone coronaria (Poppy Anemone)

 Anemone coronaria, the Poppy Anemone, is a vibrant flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. It bears large, colorful flowers resembling poppies in shades of red, purple, blue, and white. It is favored for its bold blooms in garden settings.

Anemone hupehensis (Japanese Anemone)

Anemone hupehensis is a late-summer blooming perennial native to China. It features tall stems adorned with large, pink, or white cup-shaped flowers. Thriving in partial shade, it adds elegance to garden borders with its long-lasting blooms and fern-like foliage.

Choosing the right type of anemone involves considering several factors:

• Growing Conditions: Determine the specific growing conditions needed by different types of anemones. Some prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade. Soil type and moisture requirements also vary.
• Size and Space: Consider the mature size of the anemone species you're interested in. Some varieties are compact and suitable for smaller gardens or containers, while others spread and may require more space.
• Hardiness: Check the hardiness zone of your garden to ensure the anemone species you choose can withstand your local climate conditions, particularly if you're planting outdoors.
• Appearance and Flowering: Choose based on the appearance you prefer, whether it's the flower color, shape, or foliage characteristics. Some anemones bloom in spring, while others flower in summer or fall.
• Purpose: Decide on the purpose of planting anemones—whether for ground cover, borders, rock gardens, or cut flowers. Different species may be more suitable for specific purposes.
• Research and Advice: Consult gardening resources, nurseries, and local experts to gather information on which types of anemones grow well in your area and meet your preferences.

By considering these factors, you can select the right type of anemone that will thrive in your garden and meet your aesthetic and practical needs.

Anemones are adaptable bulbs and plants suitable for various planting locations. It's advisable to use gloves when handling plant material and compost. Anemone coronaria thrives in full sun, while Anemone blanda and Japanese Anemone do well in both full sun and partial shade.

Anemone nemorosa prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil. Allow Anemones to naturalize in parts of borders where space permits, allowing them to spread under larger perennial plants. They also create a striking effect when scattered among other spring-blooming plants in a grassy woodland setting.

Most types can be grown in containers, except for Japanese Anemone, which are better suited to ground planting.

The timing for planting anemones depends on the specific species you are growing and your local climate. Here are some general guidelines:

Spring-Flowering Anemones (Anemone coronaria, Anemone blanda)

These varieties are typically planted in the fall, ideally from late September to November, before the ground freezes. This allows the anemone bulbs to establish roots before winter dormancy. In warmer climates where winters are mild, they can also be planted in late winter to early spring for blooms in late spring to early summer.

Woodland Anemones (Anemone nemorosa)

Plant these bulbs in late summer to early fall (August to October). They prefer cooler soil temperatures for root establishment. In mild climates, they can also be planted in early spring, but fall planting is generally recommended for best results.

Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)

These are typically planted in spring or early fall. Spring planting gives them time to establish before summer heat, while fall planting allows them to establish roots before winter dormancy.

To plant anemones, follow these steps:

• Identify your anemone type: Anemones are available in corm and tuberous forms. The preparation for planting varies between these types, so it's important to identify which type you have before starting the planting process.
• Soak corms for a few hours: For corm-growing varieties of anemones, soak them in lukewarm water for four to six hours before planting to encourage initial growth.
• Soak tubers overnight: When planting a tuberous variety, soak the tubers overnight to promote quicker sprouting.
• Location: Anemones prefer well-drained soil. Spring-blooming varieties thrive in partial to full shade while fall-blooming varieties prefer full to partial sun.
• Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0).
• Planting depth and spacing: Plant tubers or rhizomes about 2-3 inches deep. Space them 4-6 inches apart for spring bloomers and 12-18 inches apart for fall bloomers.

Once established, anemones are relatively low-maintenance plants. Here are key considerations:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods. Anemones prefer regular watering, particularly during their active growth periods.

Mulching: Mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. This is particularly important for winter protection in colder climates.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears. Follow the specific recommendations for bulb or perennial fertilizer depending on the type of anemone. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth with fewer flowers.

Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding. Trim back dead foliage in late fall or early spring to tidy up the plant and promote healthy growth.

Support: Provide support structures like stakes or rings for taller varieties to prevent them from bending or breaking, especially in windy conditions.

Pest and Disease Control: Anemones are relatively pest-free but can occasionally suffer from aphids, slugs, or powdery mildew. Use insecticidal soap for aphids and organic slug bait for slugs. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.

If you're growing anemones suitable for your hardiness zone, they typically don't require special winter protection. Many gardeners simply trim back the flower stalks and foliage near ground level as part of their winter garden cleanup.

However, for species that are borderline hardy in your region, applying a layer of mulch over the root crowns can safeguard them from potential winter damage.

Propagating anemones can be done through several methods depending on the type of anemone you have—whether they propagate best through division, seed collection, or another method. Here’s a guide on how to propagate anemones effectively:

Division (for Anemones that Spread by Rhizomes or Tubers)

• Types: This method is suitable for anemones like Anemone hupehensis (Japanese anemone), Anemone sylvestris (Snowdrop anemone), and others that produce rhizomes or tubers.
• Best Time: Early spring is ideal when new growth is just starting.
• Steps:
  • Dig up the plant carefully to avoid damaging the rhizomes or tubers.
  • Gently separate the rhizomes or tubers, ensuring each division has healthy roots and at least one bud or growing point.
  • Replant immediately at the same depth as the original plant, ensuring the soil is well-drained and amended with compost if needed.
  • Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the divisions.

Seed Propagation

• Types: Some anemones, like Anemone coronaria (Poppy anemone), can be propagated from seeds.
• Best Time: Collect seeds after flowering in late summer or early fall.
• Steps:
  • Collect ripe seed pods and allow them to dry completely.
  • Sow seeds in a seed tray or directly in the garden in early spring or fall.
  • Cover lightly with soil and keep consistently moist until seeds germinate.
  • Thin seedlings to allow proper spacing once they have grown a few inches tall.

Offsets or Bulblets

• Types: Some anemones produce offsets or bulblets that can be separated and replanted.
• Best Time: Typically done in early spring when new growth is visible.
• Steps:
  • Identify offsets or bulblets that have formed around the base of the parent plant.
  • Gently detach them from the parent plant using a small knife or your hands, ensuring each has roots attached.
  • Plant offsets or bulblets at the same depth as the parent plant, ensuring good soil contact.
  • Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the new plants.

Growing anemones from seeds is a method that requires patience and is often chosen by dedicated enthusiasts or professionals involved in breeding new varieties through controlled cross-pollination. If you're keen to try this method, gather seeds from dried seed heads after the flowers have finished blooming.

Sow these seeds in an outdoor cold frame filled with loose, well-draining soil, barely covering them with a thin layer of soil. Once the seeds sprout, allow the seedlings to endure the winter outdoors under a thick layer of mulch. In the following spring, transplant them individually to their permanent locations.

For those preferring to start seeds indoors in pots or trays, ensure the seeds undergo a cold stratification period lasting three to four weeks before planting in a brightly lit area to facilitate germination.

Anemones are most renowned for their stunning cut flowers, which can last up to two weeks after being harvested. To maximize the number of blooms from your anemone plant, keep the following tips in mind:

Bloom months

Anemones usually bloom in spring, summer, and fall. These plants grow quickly and will often flower in their first season. The planting time should align with the blooming cycle of the specific species. For spring-blooming anemones, plant them in the fall. For fall-blooming anemones, plant them in the spring.

What does anemone flowers look and smell Like?

Anemone flowers are renowned for their vibrant and varied appearances, with simple to multi-petaled forms and a wide color range including red, pink, white, blue, purple, and bi-colored varieties. They often feature a contrasting center and fern-like, deeply lobed foliage.

The plants vary in height, from low ground covers to taller species reaching up to 3-4 feet. While most anemones, such as Anemone coronaria and Anemone blanda, are unscented or have a very mild fragrance, their striking visuals make them popular in gardens and floral arrangements.

Anemone sylvestris, with its nodding white flowers, is one of the few with a slight fragrance. Despite their often subtle scent, anemones' visual appeal makes them a beloved choice for adding color and texture to any setting.

How to encourage more blooms

Most Anemone species will bloom easily if they are planted in moderately rich, moist soil. If blooming ceases, it is often due to overcrowded roots. To remedy this, you can lift and divide the root clump or corms, then replant them, which typically restores vigorous flowering.

Additionally, an annual application of bone meal mixed into the soil can provide a gentle nutrient boost to support healthy flowering.

Caring for anemone after it blooms

Once the blooms of anemones die back, the plants require minimal maintenance. For corm-type anemones, leave the foliage intact until it naturally dies back before removing it. If you are gardening outside of the optimal growing zones, ensure proper overwintering care to protect the plants.