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Herbaceous Perennial

Anemone blanda

winter windflower

Spreading perennial to 15cm tall, quickly forming large clumps, with broadly oval, segmented, dark green stem and basal leaves with lobed leaflets. Flowers 3-4cm in width, are violet-blue, pink or white, opening in spring above the leaves

Other common names
sapphire anemone
Synonyms
Anemone blanda mixed

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Pink White Green
Summer Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset, contact may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Anemone are herbaceous perennials with fibrous, rhizomatous or tuberous rootstocks, palmately lobed leaves and saucer-shaped, usually 5-petalled flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SE Europe, SW Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, humus-rich soil or a light, sandy soil in sun although tolerates partial shade. Needs dry dormancy after flowering. Mulch for winter protection. Can be grown in a container if garden soil not suitable. See anemone cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division of tubers in summer when they are dormant

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to leaf eelworms and damage from caterpillars and slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews

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