Anemone blanda is an enchanting flower for the rock-garden, spring border or for a `wild' corner of the garden where it can multiply freely over the years.
The long narrow petals of anemone blanda are arranged around golden yellow stamens.
Attractive blooms and leaves
Anemone blanda is mostly available in multicoloured mixtures, with many shades of blue and pink, some pure white, and some a very pale mauve-pink, although cultivars are available in specific shades.
Many of its varieties have a pronounced white 'eye' (rim around the centre). The flowers range from 4-7cm across.
This anemone boasts feathery, deeply cut leaves which grow in whorls (rings) around the plant stems, adding to the charm of the flowers.
Planting and care
Plant the tubers in September in ground that is well prepared.
Choose a sheltered but fairly sunny spot and add sharp sand or fine gravel to the soil unless drainage is very good. Anemone blanda needs well-drained soil to thrive.
Work in leaf-mould or compost unless the soil is already rich in humus, and add a little bone meal in all cases.
How to plant
Unless the tubers are freshly dug, or unless they seem really fresh and plump, it is best to soak them in water for 24 hours before planting.
Plant 5cm deep and 7cm apart, and mark the area with twigs afterwards. This reminds you where the tubers are and helps deter visiting cats.
The leaves unfurl in early spring and are soon followed by the flowers. Start to divide clumps into parts for propagating when the leaves have died.
IMPORTANT
To control the spread of anemone blanda, gather some of the seeds and sow them in trays at the end of the summer. Keep in a greenhouse or cold frame, and pot on (repot) the seedlings as they grow. Plant out the seedlings the following summer in rows in the garden.
These flower the following year.