HALLER'S ANEMONE - Anemone halleri

Haller's anemone - Anemone halleri 

Named in honour of Swiss naturalist and 'Father of Modern Physiology' Albrecht von Haller (1708 – 1777), the Haller's anemone - Anemone halleri is a gorgeous, early-flowering perennial native to the subalpine and alpine regions of southern Europe, and extending eastward to Greece, Bulgaria and Ukraine.

Noted for its upright flowers and woolly stems, the native habitats of Haller's anemone include mountain meadows, dry hill sides, dry grassy locations and openings in mountainous forests.

Haller's anemone - Anemone halleri 

Depending on the harshness of its locale, it can be expected to grow between 5-20cm. The deeply cut, pinnate leaves are a light-green colour, however these are obscured by an insulation of dense hairs which allow it to withstand the freezing alpine temperatures.

Like most alpine species the blooms are characteristically large with a width of approximately 5-8 cm from June to July. The pale-blue or purple flowers are comprised of 6 petals and yellow anthers, and usually appear before the foliage emerges.

Plant container grown specimens of the Haller's anemone in September in an open sunny position in a well-drained soil with plenty of humus-rich compost previously dug in. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging as the roots can easily succumb to soil borne pathogens, If planted near deciduous plants remove any fallen leaves that cover the plant.

For related articles click onto the following links:
HALLER'S ANEMONE - Anemone halleri 
HOW TO GROW THE SHRUBBY MILKWORT - Polygala chamaebuxus