Growing Anemones (Anemone blanda): A Complete Guide to Planting, Care, and Maintenance

Anemones (Anemone blanda), also known as Grecian windflowers, are beautiful spring-blooming perennials that bring a carpet of color to the garden with their daisy-like flowers. These low-growing plants are perfect for naturalizing in woodland areas, rock gardens, borders, or containers. Available in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, Anemone blanda adds a delicate touch to your garden’s early spring display. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to plant, grow, and care for Anemone blanda to ensure they thrive year after year.

Why Grow Anemones?

Anemone blanda is a must-have for any garden due to its vibrant colors, low maintenance, and versatility. Here’s why you should consider adding these cheerful blooms to your garden:

Early Spring Color: Anemone blanda is one of the first perennials to bloom in early spring, providing a burst of color when little else is flowering.
Low Maintenance: Once established, these hardy perennials require little care and will naturalize over time, forming beautiful mats of blooms.
Versatile Growing Conditions: Anemones thrive in various settings, from woodland areas to rock gardens and borders, making them a versatile choice for many gardens.
Compact Growth: With their low-growing habit, Anemone blanda is perfect for planting at the front of borders, under shrubs, or in containers.
Pollinator-Friendly: Anemones attract early-season pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting your garden’s ecosystem.

Let’s dive into how you can successfully grow Anemone blanda and enjoy its colorful blooms for years to come.

Best Varieties of Anemone blanda for Your Garden

While Anemone blanda is the most popular species, there are several color variations to choose from, allowing you to create a bright and diverse display in your garden. Here are some popular varieties:

1. Anemone blanda ‘Blue Shades’

Description: The most common variety, with vibrant blue, daisy-like flowers.
Ideal for: Woodland gardens, borders, and mass plantings.

2. Anemone blanda ‘White Splendour’

Description: A pure white variety with large flowers, perfect for adding a crisp contrast to your garden’s early spring palette.
Ideal for: Shaded areas, mixed borders, and underplanting.

3. Anemone blanda ‘Pink Star’

Description: A lovely soft pink variety that brings a delicate, romantic touch to spring gardens.
Ideal for: Containers, rock gardens, and borders.

4. Anemone blanda ‘Charmer’

Description: A deep pink variety with rich, vibrant flowers that brighten any garden.
Ideal for: Naturalizing in lawns or planting along woodland edges.

5. Anemone blanda Mix

Description: A mix of blue, pink, and white varieties, perfect for creating a colorful carpet of blooms.
Ideal for: Mass plantings, borders, and naturalized areas.

By planting different varieties, you can create a colorful, eye-catching display that blooms early in the season.

How to Plant Anemone blanda Corms

Anemones grow from small corms (bulb-like structures) that need to be planted in the fall for spring blooms. Here’s how to plant them for the best results.

1. When to Plant Anemone Corms

Plant Anemone blanda corms in the fall, between September and November. Planting them in cool autumn soil gives the corms enough time to develop roots before winter sets in, ensuring a healthy display of blooms in spring.

2. Choosing the Right Location

Anemones thrive in full sun to partial shade. They prefer areas that receive dappled sunlight, especially under deciduous trees that allow sunlight through before the trees fully leaf out in spring.

They prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate various soil types, from sandy to loamy. Avoid planting anemones in heavy, waterlogged soil, as this can cause the corms to rot.

3. Preparing the Soil

Anemones grow best in soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of about 6 inches and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Anemones prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).

4. Soaking the Corms

Anemone corms are small and wrinkled, so it’s a good idea to soak them in water for a few hours (or overnight) before planting. This helps rehydrate the corms and encourages faster root development.

5. Planting Depth and Spacing

Depth: Plant the corms about 2 to 3 inches deep. If planting in heavy soil, plant slightly shallower to prevent water retention around the corms.
Spacing: Space the corms 3 to 4 inches apart to allow for natural spreading. For a more natural look, plant them in drifts or clusters rather than in straight rows.

6. How to Plant Anemone Corms

Dig the Holes: Use a trowel to dig small holes or a trench for mass plantings.
Position the Corms: Place the corms in the holes with the pointed side facing upwards. If you’re unsure which side is up, don’t worry—anemones will figure it out as they grow.
Cover with Soil: Gently cover the corms with soil and press down lightly to remove air pockets.
Water: Water the area thoroughly after planting to help the corms settle in and start rooting.

7. Mulching (Optional)

In colder climates, adding a layer of mulch after planting can help insulate the corms during winter and protect them from extreme temperature fluctuations.

Caring for Anemones Throughout the Growing Season

1. Watering

After planting, water the corms well to help them establish roots. During the growing season, anemones prefer moist soil, especially when they’re actively growing and flowering. Water the plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater, as soggy soil can cause the corms to rot.

Once they finish blooming, reduce watering as the plants enter dormancy.

2. Fertilizing

Anemones are not heavy feeders, but applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or adding compost to the soil during planting will provide the nutrients they need to bloom abundantly. In early spring, you can give the plants a light feed to encourage strong growth and blooming.

3. Deadheading and Maintenance

Deadheading isn’t necessary for anemones, but removing spent flowers can help tidy up the garden and encourage more blooms. Once the plants have finished flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally, as this helps store energy in the corms for next year’s growth.

4. Dividing Anemone Corms

Anemones will naturalize and spread over time, but if your planting becomes overcrowded or if the plants produce fewer flowers, it may be time to divide the corms.

Here’s how to divide Anemone blanda:

When to Divide: The best time to divide anemones is in late summer or early fall, after the foliage has died back.
How to Divide: Carefully dig up the clumps of corms and separate the smaller corms from the parent plant.
Replanting: Replant the divided corms immediately or store them in a cool, dry place until fall planting.

Growing Anemones in Containers

Anemones grow beautifully in containers, making them perfect for patios, balconies, or small garden spaces.

Steps for Growing Anemones in Pots:

Choose the Right Container: Use a container that is at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes. Anemones don’t require a lot of space, so they can be planted close together.
Planting Depth: Plant the corms about 2 to 3 inches deep, following the same depth guidelines as in the garden.
Spacing: Space the corms about 2 to 3 inches apart in the container for a fuller display.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix and add compost for extra nutrients.
Watering: Water the container after planting and keep the soil moist during the growing season, but avoid overwatering.

Naturalizing Anemones in Lawns and Gardens

One of the most appealing aspects of Anemone blanda is its ability to naturalize and spread over time. Here’s how to create a naturalized display of anemones:

Plant in Drifts: For a more natural look, plant anemones in clusters or drifts rather than in straight rows. This will mimic how they grow in the wild.
Minimal Maintenance: Once established, anemones will naturalize with little intervention. Allow the foliage to die back naturally and avoid disturbing the area during the dormancy period.
Leave Undisturbed: To encourage naturalization, leave the corms in the ground and let them multiply over time. Anemones will spread on their own, creating a carpet of color each spring.

Common Problems When Growing Anemones

1. Anemones Not Blooming

Cause: This could be due to overcrowding, lack of sunlight, or planting the corms too deeply.
Solution: Divide overcrowded clumps, ensure the plants receive sufficient sunlight, and make sure the corms are planted at the proper depth.

2. Yellowing Leaves Before Blooming

Cause: Poor soil drainage or overwatering can cause the leaves to yellow.
Solution: Improve soil drainage by amending the soil with compost or sand and avoid waterlogged conditions.

3. Pests

Anemones are relatively pest-resistant, but they can occasionally be affected by:

Slugs and Snails: These pests may feed on the young shoots and leaves. Use organic slug deterrents or traps to protect the plants.
Rodents: In some cases, rodents like squirrels may dig up the corms. Protect the corms by planting them deeper or using mesh covers.

Final Thoughts

Anemone blanda is a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden, offering early spring color, low maintenance, and the ability to naturalize over time. Whether you’re planting them in woodland areas, borders, containers, or rock gardens, Anemone blanda will reward you with a delightful display of daisy-like blooms each spring.

By following this guide, you can successfully plant, care for, and enjoy Anemone blanda, ensuring they thrive and bring beauty to your outdoor space for years to come.

Find more spring bulbs to plant in the garden and allotment here