Bulbs

Anemone
anemone

- Height 1/2-1 ft (15-30 cm)
- Planting distance 4-6 in (10-15 cm)
- Flowers late winter to midspring
- Good, well-drained soil
- Sunny, or partially shaded site
- Tubers available fall and winter
- Hardy zone 5-9

Spring-flowering anemones have tuberous roots or corms. They are ideal for naturalizing in a semi-wild shady corner of the garden, for bringing spring color to a rock garden, and for cutting.

Popular species and cultivars
Anemone blanda stands only 6 in (15 cm) high and is enchanting in a semi-natural setting. Left undisturbed, it will form a carpet of white, pink, or blue flowers from late winter to early spring. It tolerates dappled shade, so a good site for it is under a deciduous tree. Here the flowers provide ground interest before the tree leaves are fully out. For blue flowers select such cultivars as 'Atrocaerulaea' or' Blue Star.' For white flowers try 'White Splendor,' and for pink flowers 'Pink Star.' Mixtures are also sold. Anemone coronaria, often called the poppy anemone, is the red, blue, cream, or purple species seen in florists. Two strains are widelsy available: 'De Caen,' which has up to 20 single saucer-shaped flowers in a season, and 'St. Brigid,' a double or semi-double strain. Mixtures and cultivars of single colors are available. All grow about 1 ft (30 cm) high and are suitable for the front of a bed. Anemone x fulgens has striking scarlet flowers and stands 1 ft (30 cm) high; it is an eye-catching sight throughout spring. Anemone nemorosa (wood anemone) is a woodland wildflower that looks best in a semi-natural setting, where its clusters of feathery leaves, 6 in (15 cm) high, make a superb ground cover in early spring and midspring. The flowers are naturally white, tinged pink, but lavender cultivars such as 'Robinsoniana' and blue forms such as 'Royal Blue' are sometimes available.

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