Anemones are cheery spring blooming plants that add color to
the garden. They are mostly low growing, though some are in
shrub form, and they are considered deer and rabbit resistant.
You can place them in flower borders, rock gardens, containers
or anywhere that you need a little spring cheer. I am profiling
three of the species that are easy to grow.
Anemone blanda, often called Grecian windflower, is a charming
daisy-like flower that often blooms up to 6 weeks in the spring.
They do well in Zones 4-9 and the bulbs are planted in the fall. This
anemone will even reseed and bloom during the second year! The
colors are pretty and varied: shades of pink, rose, blues, violets, and
white. Anemone blanda is short at only 4-6 inches tall, and works
wonderfully under trees, shrubs or larger plants that are still bare
stemmed when they bloom in the early spring.
They like fertile, rich soil and will grow in full sun or partial shade.
Sometimes it is hard to tell the top from the bottom, and it's okay
to plant them on their side if you aren't sure. Some companies
recommend soaking them overnight, but it's not necessary if you
live in a humid climate. If the bulbs look extra dry, you can wet
down peat moss and place the bulbs in it overnight, but make sure
you plant them the next day.
Anemone nemorosa, also known as the wood anemone, is a short
species with blue, white, pink or yellow flowers, that resemble a
buttercup. The centers are yellow, and some can be semi-double,
such as the white or "alba" variety that was first observed in the
1800s. This anemone is long lived---and once established can
remain for 30 or more years! It's also drought tolerant and will
spread, but not so quickly that it becomes a pest. It's a lovely
woodland flower, but can grow in sun as well. It grows best in
Zones 5-9.
Anemone coronaria is most often referred to as the poppy anemone,
but sometimes you'll see it called windflower as well. Of the three,
this is the more "finicky" anemone. The tubers may need be soaked
as mentioned above. They will grow in a sunny spot or light shade.
The rough or bumpy end should face down when planted. Hardiness
varies---possibly Zone 6 with mulch will be okay. The foliage can't
take a hard frost, so if they sprout too soon they may not make it. Be
sure to mulch heavily if your climate is cold. If you are not sure, you
can plant them in the spring, after the hard frosts have passed.
Anemones are beautiful spring flowers and worth experimenting
with to find the species that is right for your garden!
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is an avid herb gardener,
wife and mom to three living in the midwest United States. She's also editor and
owner of Old Fashioned Living.
BULB & PERENNIAL RESOURCES:
Spring Hill Nursery
Gurney's Nursery
Nature Hills Nursery
Pacific Callas
Bloomingbulb
DirectGardening.com 
Jackson & Perkins
