Anemone

( ah - NEM - oh - nee )

At-A-Glance Information

Also called Windflower, this genus of flowering perennials needs regular water. Part of the Buttercup family, this popular flower includes both large and small plants, and bloom times vary from early spring through fall depending on the species. They typically form a clump of leaves with stems rising up to show open-faced blooms with dense groups of stamens. Most are native to the subtropical areas of the globe. These flowers will attract butterflies to your garden and are great for adding to fresh arrangements. These flowers are interesting due to the fact that they do not have true petals; their colored parts are actually sepals. Take care when planting this flower in your yard, as all parts are poisonous if ingested, and the sap can irritate skin.

Anemone Species and Varietals

Anemone is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 63 species, and belongs to the plant family Ranunculaceae. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Anemone flowers can symbolize either the death of a loved one, spring breezes, or forsaken love. In the Greek language, 'anemos' means wind. Anemone growing zones vary by species; see the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map. The species below are divided into Nontuberous and Tuberous Anemones.

Species of Nontuberous Anemone

These species of Anemone flowers in this group grow from fibrous roots or creeping rhizomes instead of a corm. Many species can be used as groundcovers, and will spread to form colonies over time.

Anemone berlandieri (Tenpetal Thimbleweed, Tenpetal Anemone, Southern Anemone, Eastern Prairie Anemone, Texas Thimbleweed, Granny's Nightcap)
This species is native to most areas in the southern United States, and flowers in late winter through springtime. The species is named for Jean-Louis Berlandier (1803-1851), a botanist who explored Texas and Mexico in the 19th century. These flowers prefer growing in sunny, open areas like prairies and hillsides, and are also found growing in open areas within woods. Best in USDA zones 7a-9b.

Anemone canadense (Anemonastrum canadense) (Canada Anemone, Round-Headed Anemone, Round-Leaf Thimbleweed, Meadow Anemone, Windflower, Crowfoot)
This species is native to moist meadows, thickets, streambanks and lakeshores and spreads quickly via underground rhizomes. Flowers are white and bloom in late spring through summer. Individual plants reach up to 8-36 inches tall with a spread of 2-3 feet or more. Good as a groundcover. This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Anemone caroliniana (Carolina Anemone, Prairie Anemone, Carolina Thimbleweed)
This species flowers in early to mid-spring and is native to the Great Plains and the Mississippi Valley where it grows in dry prairies, bare landscapes, and open rocky woods. Flowers can be white, soft rose, or purple. This species reaches 4-16 inches tall and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4a-8b.

Anemone hortensis (Broad-Leaved Anemone, Starry Anemone, Anemone des Jardins)
This species of Anemone is very easy to cultivate in the garden, and reaches between 8 and 16 inches tall. Leaves are deeply toothed and broad and flowers are red-purple, mauve, or white-blue. These plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 6-9b.

Anemone x hybrida (Anemone japonica, Anemone hupehensis japonica) (Japanese Anemone, Japanese Thimbleweed)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-24; These are long-lived perennials that provide beautiful fall blooms. Stems are graceful and branching, reaching 2-4 feet tall and rising from clumps of green leaves. Many varieties are available with single or semidouble flowers in white, silver-pink or rose. They are fantastic for planting underneath high-branching trees or in front of shrubs. These plants can be slow to establish, but will spread widely and readily if roots are left undisturbed. Space 2 feet apart. Needs partial shade for best results.

Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone)
These plants grow best in zones 1-9 and 14-24, and are native to Europe. They get 1 foot high and spread by creeping rhizomes, have deeply cut leaves and white flowers in spring. Flowers can sometimes be found in pink or blue. It spreads slowly to form a colorful groundcover for woodland areas. Many varieties are available, some with double blooms. Needs partial or full shade. When this species dies back to the ground in the middle of summer, withhold water until it regrows in the fall.

Anemone oregana (Blue Windflower, Blue Windflower, Western Wood Anemone)
This species of Anemone grows in USDA hardiness zones 5a-9b or Sunset growing zones 4-7 and 15-17 and is native to the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. It makes an attractive woodland groundcover, with spring flowers in white (less likely to be pink or blue). Needs partial shade to perform well. Individual plants reach 6-14 inches tall.

Anemone sylvestris (Snowdrop Anemone, Snowdrop Windflower, Madonna)
Grows best in Sunset growing zones 1-10 and 14 or USDA hardiness zones 3-9. This European native grows from creeping rootstocks to 1.5 feet tall, and produces fragrant yellow-centered white flowers followed by cottony seed heads. Spreads quickly in damp, wooded locations. Variety 'Macrantha' has larger blossoms than the species and 'Flore Pleno' is double-flowered. Needs partial to full shade.

Anemone tomentosa (Japanese Anemone, Grape-Leaved Anemone, Woolly Anemone, Robust Woolly Anemone)
This species of Anemone grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 2b-9 and 14-21. This species is a native of Tibet, and is a vigorous grower with fibrous roots. It forms a spreading clump of leaves and produces 3.5 foot tall stems topped with single pink flowers in late summer and fall. Plants should be spaced three feet apart for best coverage and airflow. Needs partial shade to perform well in the garden.

Species of Tuberous Anemone

The species listed below are native to Europe and the Mediterranean, and are best used as annuals in rainy summer or warm winter climates. They are short lived, but make great container plants.

Anemone blanda (Grecian Windflower, Balkan Anemone)
These plants do best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 and Sunset growing zones 2b-9 and 14-23. The species a mat of finely divided hairy leaves. In spring 2-8 inch tall stems produce sky blue flowers. These flowers are great for planting in front of Tulips, and need partial shade and winter chill for best blooms. Varieties with larger flowers (2 inches in diameter) include 'Blue Star', 'Pink Star', 'White Splendor' and 'Radar'.

Anemone coronaria (Poppy-Flowered Anemone, Spanish Marigold, Windflower)
Grows in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset zones 4-24, and is cultivated in gardens. Blooms are up to 2.5 inches across and sit atop 6-18 inch tall stems. Flower colors range from red to blue to white. Popular varieties include 'De Caen' (with single flowers) and 'St. Brigid' (semi-double to double flowers).

Anemone edwardsiana (Edwards Plateau Anemone, Edwards Plateau Thimbleweed, Two-Flowered Anemone)
This species of Anemone is considered a wildflower, and grows on the Edwards Plateau in Texas. Blooms are white, sometimes with a touch of red or blue, and emerge from a basal tuft of a few lobed leaves. Flower stalks can reach just under 20 inches tall.

Anemone x fulgens (Scarlet Windflower, Flame Anemone, Windflower)
Grows in USDA hardiness zones 7a-10b and Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24. It grows to 1 foot tall and 6 inches wide, producing spring flowers in brilliant scarlet with black stamens. Variety 'St. Bravo' comes in an unusual color range, including pink and rusty coral. Needs full sun or partial shade to perform well in the garden.

Caring for Anemone

Anemones are great additions to the yard, and their planting times vary depending on their blooming season. For those that flower in the spring, plant in fall. For those that bloom in the fall, plant in springtime. Choose a spot in your yard that receives at least four hours of sun per day and ensure that the soil has good drainage. Amend soil before planting so that it is nutrient-rich; they are not picky about soil acidity, but will perform best in slightly acidic soil (pH of 6.0-6.5). For non-tuberous anemone (those that grow from corms), plant two inches deep in groups spaced about an inch apart. These clusters will spread as they like. For tuberous Anemone species, plant them in small groups about three to six inches deep. These species also like soil to be a bit sandy, so amend soil as you see fit before planting. All anemones look best when planted in large groups or clusters. These flowers like to receive regular water, but do not enjoy wet soil conditions. For tuberous Anemone species, allow soil to dry out during their dormant periods. Species that have taller flower stalks may need to be staked to avoid the flowers flopping over under their own weight.

As far as pruning goes, deadhead spent blooms and cut or shear off damaged or dying foliage as the plant fades and enters its dormant stage. With corm-type Anemones, allow foliage to die all the way back to the ground before removing it. If you live in an area where soil temperatures reach freezing or lower during wintertime and a thick layer of mulch isn't doing the trick, you may need to dig up your Anemone plants and overwinter them inside. To do this, carefully dig up your Anemone as winter is approaching. The foliage on your plant should have died back by this point. Place the roots in a bag filled with peat moss, and store them in a cool, dry place. When you are ready to replant them in springtime, simply soak them in water overnight and discard any roots or corms that look shriveled up or dead. Then, plant them in your garden.

Propagation

Anemone flowers can be propagated either through seed or division. To learn how to propagate your Anemone plants, read the following instructions.

Propagating Anemone by Division
Division is probably the easiest way to propagate these plants. The idea behind this method is that you are taking an existing clump of live plants and breaking it into smaller segments. This is something you will want to do whether or not you are looking to propagate your Anemone, as they need to be divided every five to ten years to keep them healthy. The best time to use this method of propagation is when you are dividing the clumps for their own health; they do not do well with frequent disturbing of their root systems. Otherwise, the roots will become too crowded and blooms will suffer. Division of Anemone should be attempted only when the plant is just entering its growing stage; just as they are beginning to show signs of life. To use this method, you will need a clean shovel, clean pruning saw, extra pots if you are not going to immediately plant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil to fill the pots. To propagate your Anemone by division, follow the instructions below:

Identify the area of plants you're going to divide. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the roots or corms. Once you've gotten your clump of Anemone out of the ground, lay it out on its side. Continue this process until you've unearthed all the Anemone's you'd like to divide. If you have several Anemone varieties, make sure to either label them or keep them in separate groups to keep track of which is which. Carefully remove dirt, first with your hands, then by shaking the root balls, and finally by rinsing them.
Locate the center of the root clump; you're going to want to divide each clump into either two or three sections, depending on how large they are and how many larger roots they have developed. Divide into segments, either with your shovel or with a pruning saw. Inspect each segment to ensure health (remove any withered or dying areas) and lay them out on the ground.
If you will be planting your Achillea in the ground, this is when you'll prepare your new hole. Dig a hole (large enough to accommodate the root ball of the clump you are planting) in the ground with your shovel in a sunny location with rich soil that is well-draining. If you have issues with drainage in your garden, amend soil with sand or compost before planting. Plant the divided root or corm sections 1-2 feet apart at the same depth as they were planted originally. The roots should be spread out slightly when you place them in the hole. Backfill and water generously. Water at least once a week until your Anemone plants are established; do not let them fully dry out between waterings.
If you are transporting your division elsewhere, or hanging on to it until you're ready to plant it at a later date, you'll need your pot filled with nutrient rich potting soil. Water to ensure that adequate drainage is occurring. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of your division, and place your new plant in the soil, making sure the roots are spread out slightly. Water generously. Place the pot in a sunny location until you are ready to plant it in the ground and continue providing with water until established.

Propagating Anemone by Seed
This method of propagation is not for beginners; it is a slow and unpredictable process. Before trying this method, keep in mind that propagation of Anemone by seed does not ensure that you will end up with the exact same plant as you harvested the seed from. If you are looking for an exact clone of the parent plant, propagate by division (as described above). To complete this propagation method, you will need to allow flowers to stay on the plant long enough to come to seed, so do not completely deadhead all of your flowers. Seeds will be mature and ready to harvest when the seed pods are brown in color. Cut the flower heads off of your plant at this time, and take the seeds out of their pods. For pictures of the dried pods and seeds, see the images below. The seeds on the Anemone plant are contained in 'fluffs', and will need to be removed from this material before they are ready to be planted. To propagate Anemone from seed, follow these directions:

Gather your materials. You will need a pot or seed tray and potting soil that is well-draining. You will also need to remove the seeds from their fluff at this time. Removal of this material will allow the seeds to adhere better to their planting medium. Carefully rub the seeds against a fine mesh to remove the attached fluff (being gentle so you don't damage the seeds), and place the naked seeds to the side. Repeat until you have de-fluffed all of your harvested seeds.
Place your seeds on top of the potting mix, spaced about 4- 6 inches apart. Sprinkle potting medium over the top until the seeds are just lightly dusted. As the seeds are starting out, it is best to use a spray bottle to add moisture to avoid uncovering their light soil topping. Keep the soil moist as the seeds develop. Keep your developing seedlings in an area that receives bright light and stays at a temperature of about 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Continue to monitor for moisture and adequate soil covering until the seeds start to sprout, which should take about 4-5 weeks. Once the chance of frost has passed by, seedlings can be transplanted to a sunny area of the garden. Keep the soil moist as the plant develops.