The name Anemone is derived from the Greek for wind flower.
The blooms are usually saucer-shaped and can be either solitary or clustered.
Leaves have serrated edges and are usually mid to dark green in colour.
The flower colours include yellow, pink, red, blue, and violet.
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De Caen, Jerusalem and St. Brigid can be double or single varieties.
Anemone blanda and nemorosa types are suitable in areas of dappled shade and are often sold as potted plants.
Depending upon variety they will grow to 100-300mm (4"-12") and flower from February-April.
They all prefer moist, fertile humus rich soil that is well-drained, and are all quite happy in sun or partial shade.
Prior to planting soak De Caen corms overnight in tepid water this will encourage rapid germination.
Cultivation;
Week 25-30; Sow seeds when ripe, in pots/trays of seed compost and place in a cold frame or cool greenhouse.
Prick out the seedlings, when large enough to handle into trays/boxes.
At the end of the first growing season plant out the young plants in a nursery bed and grow on for one or two years before planting out in permanent positions.
Plant out; Week 36-40
The corms should be planted (sunken ends uppermost) 50mm (2") deep and 100-150mm (4"-6") apart.
Place the bulb on a 25mm (1") layer of coarse sand for drainage purposes then pour in more sand so that the bulb is just covered.
Fill the holes firmly with fine soil, and mulch with thin layer of leafmould.
Every two years separate the offsets or divide the corms after the top growth has died down in late summer and replant immediately.
Anemone blanda should be left in the soil undisturbed to flower each spring.
