Anemones are also known as wind-flowers because they move in the slightest breeze. They are lovely, delicate flowers that command great admiration when planted in large numbers. The most widely sold anemone belongs to the buttercup family and are native to Southern-Europe and Asia-minor.
The tallest variety is Anemone coronaria, which grows to a height of approximately 25 cm. There are two variants: single flowered (De Caen hybrids) and double flowered (St. Brigid hybrids), in colours varying from white, pink, red to deep blue-purple. They make excellent cut flowers, but always be sure to use gardening shears to cut the stems as pulling them will cause so much underground agitation that the bulbs may be disturbed and give up the ghost. Anemone coronaria like sunny spots, preferably sheltered by a cover of low perennials to ensure their survival during the winter. Anemone blanda is a true ground cover plant that doesn't grow higher than 10 cm. This type thrives both in sun and in shadow. Anemone blanda 'White Splendour' is a ray of sunshine in dark areas under trees and shrubs.
The varieties bloom consecutively by variety: Anemone blanda in March-April and A. coronaria in May-June. The bulbs of both varieties are small and hard and have to be soaked before planting. Once planted they swell underground up to twice their original size, and it is therefore important not to plant them too shallow. A depth of approximately 7 cm is generally ideal.
