Anemone coronaria is not your stereotypical spring-blooming face that you see around here. It originated in the Mediterranean regions, and its Greek-origin name is a reference to the wind – hence the common name of windflower – as it can be described as dancing in the wind on a spring day. Anemone is becoming more commonly available in retail outlets and, in my opinion, is a much better pick for long-lasting color in Southern landscape beds when compared to the infamous tulip. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a good tulip, but they are notorious for being a one-hit-wonder in our landscapes, never to be seen in flower again. Often, the only traces of a tulip’s former existence is its unremarkable foliage that peeks out from underground for a brief moment each year. I have been impressed and delighted with the colorful show Anemone provides in the landscape. In my landscape, they have faithfully emerged from the soil year after year, forming an ever-denser patch. These traits make them a top choice spring-blooming bulb to add to the garden over tulips any day of the week.
Anemone (Anemone coronaria‘ De Caen Blue-White’) fades from a blue violet center to a creamy white outer edge.
Mary Anna Vargo, ©2022, Clemson Extension
Anemone is a fantastic early blooming cut flower with sturdy stems that make flower arranging a breeze. Pair with other early blooming spring flowers such as bachelor’s button, Nigella, Verbascum, and strawberry begonia. Add fragrant foliage such as mint, for a refreshing spring arrangement.
Mary Anna Vargo, ©2022, Clemson Extension
Anemone coronaria has finely dissected foliage that looks similar to Parsley. If left in ground to overwinter, be sure to look out for its foliage that will start to peek out from the soil in late winter as the soil starts to warm up.
Mary Anna Vargo, ©2022, Clemson Extension
Anemone ‘Panda White’ is striking in the landscape. White petals are the backdrop to the stunning navy and red center.
Mary Anna Vargo, ©2022, Clemson Extension
Corms prior to soaking.
Mary Anna Vargo, ©2022, Clemson Extension
Corms after soaking.
Mary Anna Vargo, ©2022, Clemson Extension
Anemone can be planted in late fall/early winter here in zone 8, and it overwinters quite nicely and blooms enthusiastically for me each spring. Anemone fits into most garden scenes quite well, weave them in between other spring-flowering bulbs like ranunculus, daffodils, and hyacinths, or use them in containers to cheer up balconies or other outdoor living spaces. I have my anemones planted in areas where late spring/early summer herbaceous annuals will eventually grow in around them at a time when their foliage starts to fade and can look unsightly. This way, I avoid the temptation to cut them back too early by masking their tangled and tired foliage behind drifts of bachelor’s button and rudbeckia.
As an added bonus, the anemone is a must-have for beginner and experienced cut flower gardeners. Its stems lend themselves well as sturdy bases in design work, and their light and open faces offer a fresh dynamic to an arrangement.
For more information, see HGIC 1155, Spring-Flowering Bulbs.
