What are spring-flowering anemones?
These compact anemones brighten up gardens in spring with their small daisy- or buttercup-like blooms in a range of colours, from white to mauves, pinks and blues, with a central boss of stamens. Most grow from underground rhizomes or tubers and originate in woodland, alpine and Mediterranean areas.
The most popular and widely available anemones are also the easiest to grow, and include our native wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa), bold and colourful A. coronaria, and daisy-like A. blanda and A. apennina, which all have lots of attractive cultivars.
There are many other species too, some more tricky to grow than others in the UK climate. The more specialist, tuberous or alpine types, such as A. biflora and A. bucharica, are rarely available and best kept in an alpine house to protect them from rain.
A. coronaria, and especially De Caen Group, are often grown as cut flowers, as they produce showy blooms in an array of rich, jewel-like colours, with a dark central boss of stamens, on long clear stems. They can also be ‘forced’ indoors, to produce an early display of spring flowers for the home.
Choosing the right anemones for you
Spring-flowering anemones are compact plants, ideal for growing in containers, small gardens or planted en masse in larger areas. Some are sun-lovers, others need dappled shade.
Sun-loving anemones
Mediterranean and alpine anemones like a sunny spot and work well in borders, rock gardens, gravel gardens and containers.
The most popular and widely available Mediterannean anemones are A. coronaria, especially De Caen Group, often known as garden anemones, and the peacock windflower A. pavonina. These produce showy flowers in a range of bright colours, with dark centres, on stems up to 40cm tall.
Give them a sunny, sheltered spot in well-drained soil, such as at the base of a south-facing wall. They won’t survive in damp conditions, especially when dormant. They grow well in containers too, as these can be moved to a sheltered spot after flowering, protected from excess rain and harsh frosts.
Woodland anemones
These are ideal for dappled shade under trees, in informal, naturalistic plantings. They form clumps or low carpets, 10–30cm (4–12in) tall. They dislike damp soil, especially in winter, and often need a dry spell in summer after flowering, when they go dormant.
Woodland anemones are easy to naturalise and will spread via creeping rhizomes or tubers. Popular, easy-to-grow choices include:
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Anemone nemorosa AGM – our native wood anemone has single flowers, usually white or tinged pink, in March–May; many cultivars are also available, often double flowered; it spreads vigorously
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A. blanda AGM – thrives in a woodland setting, where it forms large clumps of blue, pink or white flowers. Will also grow in sun
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Anemone ranunculoides AGM – another European native, it has the same creeping twig-like rhizomes as the wood anemone, but produces bright yellow flowers in April
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Anemone x lipsiensis ‘Pallida’ AGM – the pale creamy-yellow flowers of this vigorous wood anemone are pretty in dappled shade
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A. apennina AGM – this usually blue-flowered anemone (sometimes white, flushed with pink) has feathery foliage and blooms in April; it has become naturalised in Britain
Many woodland anemones have an RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), which shows they performed well in RHS trials, so are reliable choices.
To browse photos and descriptions of all kinds of anemones, go to RHS Find a Plant. You can also search by height, flower colour, growing position, RHS Award of Garden Merit, Plants for Pollinators, and more, to help narrow down your choices.
How and what to buy
Spring-flowering anemones may be sold as dormant rhizomes or tubers, usually in autumn, or as potted plants in spring, as they’re coming into flower.
You’ll find a limited range in garden centres, and a wider choice of cultivars from specialist suppliers online.
To find specific anemone species or cultivars, use RHS Find a Plant.