Select Anemones

Anemones are flowering perennials related to buttercups. Anemones are called windflowers. Legend says that anemones are named after the Greek word for wind. The wind helps the petals open and later blows away the petals. These beautiful flowers come in a wide range of colors and sizes. Anemones have over 120 species. With all these choices available, here are easy steps to help you bring popular anemones into your garden.

Instructions

1. Design a place for anemones. Mingle them with existing perennials or create a windflower border. They will spread by rhizomes or rootlike stems under ground. When you find a favorite anemone, grow more by using these root pieces or bulbs. Break off parts of the root in spring or fall when the plant is not blooming. Start new plants in another garden spot.

2. 

   Add garden color by planting anemones that coordinate or contrast with existing plants. Anemones come in many soft pastels and vibrant colors. Choose a single color for group or border plantings or an assortment for a rainbow of color.

3. 

   Grow low spreading anemones for groundcover. Flowers like the Grecian anemone or anemone blanda are popular groundcovers. The flowers come in assorted colors like blue, white and lavender. Flower diameter is usually a half-inch to 2 inches.

4. 

   Plant poppy anemone or anemone coronaria for flowers that look like poppies. These anemones with dark green leaves grow up to 18 inches tall. They can be planted close together for groundcover or as walkway borders. Plant them in front of evergreens for spring and summer color.

5. 

   Choose wood anemone or anemone quinquefolia for partial shade areas with rich soil. These small white to pink-white flowers are found wild in woodland areas. This anemone grows from 2 to 8 inches in height and spreads quickly in damp, loamy areas under trees.

6. Visit garden centers for anemone suited to your region. Many garden clubs offer help on successful local varieties. With the wide range of anemones in size, color and growing conditions, it's a breeze to find a windflower to brighten your garden.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an eye on the flowers for changes and adjust your treatment of them accordingly.

• Don't over water or under water the plants. Doing so could harm or kill them. Consult with your local nursery when purchasing these flowers for proper treatment options.