THE WINDFLOWER - Anemone blanda

The winter windflower- Anemone blanda

The winter windflower- Anemone blanda is a herbaceous tuberous perennial that is a popular as a garden plant as it comes into flower so early on in the spring. The species name blanda means 'mild' or 'charming', and not certainly not 'boring' as you would expect.

The winter windflower- Anemone blanda

Also known as the Grecian windflower, Anemone blanda is a native to south-eastern Europe, Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria. It has naturalised in areas of northern Europe but is this is limited to specific areas that have the excellent drainage and dry summers that they prefer.

The daisy-like flowers of the true species is an intense shade of blue but there are cultivated varieties available in white, mauve and shades of pink.

Growing to no more than 6 inches tall, Anemone blanda will grow in any humus-rich well-drained soil so long as the tubers are able to dry out in the summer. It is for this reason that Anemone blanda is often used for underplanting beneath deciduous trees which provide the necessary conditions. It will rapidly colonise any location that fits its requirements. The dark green foliage dies down in summer.

Anemone blanda seeds - http://torontogardens.blogspot.co.uk/

They are best planted in autumn when quite newly lifted and still damp, which is convenient as they are available to purchase as pre-packed tubers at this time of year.

They will not do well if they have dried out completely and so it is worth soaking them in a bucket of water overnight before planting.

Plant them on their longest side, rather than flat, about 2 inches deep and 3 inches apart. If you have it, mix some leaf mould into the soil before planting.

Anemone blanda and its cultivar Anemone blanda var. rosea 'Radar' have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

For related article click onto the following links:
How to Grow the Bearded Iris
HOW TO GROW THE JAPANESE ANEMONE
How to Grow Trilliums
HOW TO PROPAGATE THE JAPANESE ANEMONE FROM ROOT CUTTINGS
The Windflower - Anemone blanda