Anemone (Windflower) Care: Spring and Fall Bloomers
Anemones, or Windflowers, are a diverse group offering delicate charm in both spring and fall gardens. Spring-blooming types, often grown from small corms or as woodland plants, bring early color to shady spots, while the taller, later-blooming Japanese Anemones provide elegant flowers when many other perennials are finishing. Their needs vary significantly, so identifying the type is key to success.
Common Types of Garden Anemones
Anemones are often grouped by bloom time and growth habit:
Spring-Blooming Anemones
- Often low-growing, spreading plants, ideal for woodland gardens or under deciduous trees. Bloom early-mid spring and often go dormant after flowering.
- Examples include: A. blanda (Grecian Windflower - daisy-like flowers, blue/pink/white, Zones 4-8), A. nemorosa (Wood Anemone - white flowers, spreads in moist shade, Zones 3-8), A. canadensis (Canada Anemone - white flowers, spreads aggressively in moist sun/part shade, Zones 3-8).
Fall-Blooming Anemones (Japanese Anemones)
- Taller plants (2-5 feet) with fibrous roots, blooming late summer into fall.
- Large, poppy-like flowers (single/semi-double) in pink, rose, or white with yellow stamens. Prefer sun/part shade and moist, rich, well-draining soil.
- Can spread vigorously by runners. Includes A. hupehensis, A. x hybrida, A. tomentosa. Hardy Zones 4-8.
- Examples include: 'Honorine Jobert' (white), 'September Charm' (pink), 'Robustissima' (tomentosa, vigorous pink).
Planting Anemones
Needs vary between spring and fall types.
Planting Spring Corms (A. blanda)
- Timing: Plant corms in fall.
- Preparation: Soak the hard, irregular corms in lukewarm water for several hours (or overnight) before planting to rehydrate them.
- Depth & Spacing: Plant 2-3 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart in well-draining soil in partial shade. It doesn't matter which way is up.
Planting Perennial Anemones (Japanese, Woodland)
- Timing: Plant container-grown plants in spring or fall.
- Soil: Prepare soil according to type: moist, humus-rich for Woodland/Japanese types; well-drained for A. blanda. Japanese Anemones appreciate rich soil.
- Light: Partial shade for Woodland/ A. blanda; Sun to partial shade for Japanese/ A. canadensis.
- Depth & Spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot. Space Japanese Anemones 18-24 inches apart; Woodland types 12 inches; A. canadensis allow room to spread.
General Planting Technique
Match light and soil moisture to the specific Anemone type. Consider the spreading habit of Japanese and Canada Anemones.
Amend as needed: add compost for richness/moisture (Japanese/Woodland); ensure good drainage (all types, especially A. blanda).
Dig hole for plants; soak corms for A. blanda.
Place plant at correct depth; scatter soaked corms for A. blanda.
Fill hole or cover corms, firm gently. Water thoroughly. Keep soil moist for establishing plants/germinating corms.
Japanese Anemones and Canada Anemones can be aggressive spreaders in favorable conditions. Site them where their spread can be managed or contained, or choose less vigorous cultivars. They can be difficult to eradicate once established.
Watering Anemones
- Spring Bloomers (A. blanda, A. nemorosa): Keep soil moist during spring growth and bloom. Can tolerate drier conditions during summer dormancy.
- Fall Bloomers (Japanese Anemones): Require consistently moist soil throughout the growing season, especially during summer heat leading up to fall bloom. Drought stress can inhibit flowering. Mulching helps conserve moisture.
- Canada Anemone: Prefers moist to wet soil.
Fertilizing Anemones
- Generally light feeders.
- Amend soil with compost at planting time.
- Apply a light top-dressing of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth emerges. Avoid excessive feeding, especially for Japanese Anemones which can become overly vigorous.
Maintenance and Care
Foliage Care (Spring Bloomers)
- Allow the foliage of spring-blooming types like A. blanda and A. nemorosa to die back naturally after flowering. Do not remove it while green, as it's storing energy for next year. They will go dormant in summer.
Deadheading
- Optional for most types. Removing spent flowers on Japanese Anemones won't significantly increase bloom but tidies appearance. Self-seeding is generally not an issue with garden hybrids.
Division / Control
- Japanese Anemones: Divide clumps in spring if they become too crowded or to control spread. Be aware that root disturbance can stimulate more vigorous spreading. Digging out unwanted runners is often necessary.
- Canada Anemone: Requires regular removal of spreading rhizomes to keep it contained.
- Woodland/Blanda: Divide clumps after flowering if desired for propagation.
Cleanup
- Cut back the dead stems and foliage of Japanese Anemones after a hard frost in fall, or leave for winter interest and cut back in early spring.
- Spring bloomers that go dormant need no fall cleanup.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Anemones are relatively trouble-free if sited correctly.
Foliar Nematodes (Japanese Anemones)
Symptoms and Management
Microscopic worms causing angular brown or black dead patches between leaf veins. Can spread via water splash.
- Control: Remove and destroy affected leaves immediately. Avoid overhead watering. Thin clumps for better air circulation. In severe cases, plant removal may be necessary. There is no chemical cure for home gardeners.
Powdery Mildew / Leaf Spot / Rust
Symptoms and Management
- Fungal diseases can occasionally occur, especially in humid conditions or poor air circulation.
- Prevention/Control: Ensure good spacing. Water at the base. Clean up plant debris. Usually cosmetic.
Poor Flowering (Japanese Anemones)
Possible Causes and Solutions
- Too Much Shade: Need sun or bright part shade for best bloom.
- Drought Stress: Require consistent moisture through summer.
- Plant Too Young/Recently Moved: May take a season to establish.
- Soil Too Poor: Appreciate rich soil. Amend with compost.
Aggressive Spreading (Japanese/Canada Anemones)
Management
- Caused by rhizomes/runners in favorable conditions.
- Control: Regular removal of unwanted shoots/runners. Use root barriers if necessary. Choose less vigorous cultivars.
Conclusion
Anemones offer graceful beauty for different seasons and garden situations. Whether you need delicate spring blooms for a shady woodland path or elegant, tall flowers for the late summer/fall border, there's likely a Windflower to suit. Pay close attention to the specific needs of the type you choose, particularly regarding light, moisture, and potential spread, for best results.
