The winter windflower- Anemone blanda is a herbaceous tuberous perennial that is a popular as a garden plant as it comes in to flower so early on in the spring. The species name blanda means 'mild' or 'charming', and not certainly not 'boring' as you would expect.
Also known as the Grecian windflower, Anenome 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, Anenome 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 Anenome blanda is often used for under-planting 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.
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Image credit - http://torontogardens.blogspot.co.uk/ |
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.
Anenome blanda and its cultivar Anemone blanda var. rosea 'Radar' have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
