Position – Full sun or part shade
Soil – Moist, well-drained and fertile
Flowering Period – Spring,summer or autumn (dependant on variety)
Hardiness – Fully hardy
Anemones (commonly known as windflowers) are herbaceous perennials and are a broad and varied group of plants that range in size, colour and flowering time. Some varieties such as coronaria produce flowers earlier in the year in vibrant shades of blue whereas hupehensis and japonica flower from summer through to late autumn in wonderful, elegant shades of pink and white. Anemone can be grown in beds and borders but can also be used in cut flower displays indoors. You should expect to see them grow to an approximate height and spread of 30cm (12”).
Anemone are best planted in moist, well-drained and fertile soil of loam, chalk and sand within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. When it comes to planting Anemone, you have two options; corms or plants. If you’re planting corms give them a soak for 2 to 4 hours before you plant them. This will encourage shooting and development of a good root system. Young plants should be put into pots for 4-6 weeks where they will be robust enough to survive within beds and borders. Position Anemone in an area of full sun or part shade.
There are many different types of Anemone so it’s best to look at them individually. Anemone hupehensis, hybrida and Anemones japonica will tolerate any garden soil but it’s best to avoid winter wet. Once planted try not to move them about as they are intolerant to transferals. Anemone blanda and nemorosa grow best in well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun or part shade. They are easy to propagate by seed but their rhizomes can also be divided and potted on. This species requires no pruning. Anemone coronaria grows best in a light, sandy soil in full sun. During winter you might need to provide protection if your area suffers from harsh frosts, whilst dormant plants must remain dry.
It is possible to propagate Anemone hupehensis, hybrida and japonica by division during early spring to help control numbers. After flowering, prune them back during late autumn. Coronaria can be easily propagated by seed or by division of the tubers during summer.
