Anemone
Anemone spp.
Anemones are a wonderfully varied group, offering flowers for nearly every season. Spring-flowering anemones like A. blanda (Grecian windflower) and A. nemorosa (wood anemone) produce carpets of starry flowers in blue, white, and pink beneath deciduous trees and shrubs. The de Caen and St Brigid groups, grown from knobbly corms, produce bold poppy-like flowers ideal for cutting from April to June. Then in late summer and autumn, Japanese anemones (A. × hybrida) steal the show with elegant, long-stemmed flowers in white and pink that light up shady borders from August to October. Japanese anemones are particularly valuable — they thrive in partial shade, tolerate dry soil once established, and spread gently to form impressive colonies. 'Honorine Jobert' (single white) and 'Königin Charlotte' (semi-double pink) are outstanding varieties. Spring corms should be soaked overnight before planting 5cm deep in autumn. Japanese anemones are best planted in spring from pot-grown plants. All types prefer humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil. Once established, Japanese anemones can be vigorous spreaders, so give them room or contain with a root barrier.
Plan where to grow Anemone using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Plant Anemone
Plant anemone in February, March, April, September, October. It flowers from March to July.
Time to Flower Anemone
Expect flowers approximately 3 months after planting.
Companion Plants for Anemone
- Foxglove
Both suit dappled shade at a woodland edge, and the tall foxglove spikes rise above the lower anemone flowers.
Expected Yield
Ornamental — spring corms naturalise freely; Japanese types flower August to October in shade.
Growing Tips
Soak corms overnight before planting. Heights vary by type: Anemone blanda about 15cm, De Caen and St Brigid about 30cm, Japanese anemones up to 1.2m.
Pruning Anemone
Deadhead or pick flowers regularly to keep corm-grown anemones flowering. Let the foliage die back naturally after flowering; cut Japanese anemones down to the ground in late autumn or early spring.
Common Problems with Anemone
Powdery mildew on Japanese anemones
A white, dusty coating on leaves is common in late summer, especially during dry spells. It's largely cosmetic on established plants and rarely affects flowering. Improve air circulation, mulch to retain soil moisture, and cut back affected foliage in autumn. The plant will return healthy the following spring.
Corms failing to sprout
De Caen and St Brigid corms are sometimes slow or fail to start if planted dry. Always soak the hard, shrivelled corms in lukewarm water for 4–8 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Plant 5cm deep in well-drained soil. If results are poor, try pre-sprouting corms in damp sand in a cool place before planting out.
Japanese anemone spreading aggressively
Once established, Japanese anemones spread by underground runners and can colonise large areas. This is a virtue in wild gardens but problematic in small borders. Install root barriers at planting time, or grow in a contained area. Dig out unwanted runners in early spring before they establish — they're easily pulled when young.
Anemone: common questions
When should I plant anemone in the UK?
Plant anemone in February–April and September–October.
How far apart should I plant anemone?
Space anemone about 30cm apart. It grows to around 30cm tall.
When does anemone flower?
Anemone usually flowers from March to July in the UK.
Does anemone come back every year?
Yes. Anemone is a perennial and comes back every year, dying back or slowing down over winter and regrowing in spring.
When should I prune anemone?
Deadhead or pick flowers regularly to keep corm-grown anemones flowering. Let the foliage die back naturally after flowering; cut Japanese anemones down to the ground in late autumn or early spring.
What grows well with anemone?
Good companions for anemone include Foxglove. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
Is anemone frost hardy?
Yes. Anemone is hardy and survives a normal UK winter outdoors.
What crop rotation group is anemone in?
Anemone is a perennial crop, so it stays in one place and sits outside the usual crop rotation.
Plan your anemone in the allotment planner
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