Windflowers from here and there: A tale of ornamental anemones in my garden
As the seasons transition from spring to late summer, enchanting windflowers also called anemones, take center stage in my gardens: the native Canadian anemone and ornamental Japanese anemones. Each boasting unique characteristics and bloom times, these beloved perennials add charm and elegance to outdoor spaces throughout the growing season. Let’s review them, as well as other cultivated species.
The botany of anemone
Anemone used to be genus of around 150 species of herbaceous, rhizomatous perennials of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that can be found around the world but mainly in northern temperate regions. However, recent advances of taxonomy have renamed many species of Anemone in other genera like Eriocapitella as we will discuss below, although many species have remained in the original taxon by Linnaeus.
Anemones grow solitary flowers on a stem with a coil of small leaves underneath the flower, and a basal rosette of a few leaves. The flowers are apetalous, i.e. they do not have petals. Instead, multiple of sepals surround stamens and a central mound of pistils.
Canadian anemone: A springtime delight
Springtime in Canada welcomes the graceful blooms of the Canadian anemone, a native wildflower cherished for its delicate beauty and resilience. Its scientific name used to be Anemone canadensis but it has been reclassified as Anemonastrum canadense, Also known as Canada anemone, round-headed anemone and windflower, this enchanting perennial blankets woodlands, meadows, and moist areas with its dainty white flowers from April to June.
Admired for its early emergence and ability to thrive in various growing conditions, the Canadian anemone offers a welcome burst of freshness after the long winter months. Its charming white blooms, tinged with hints of pink or purple, attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of springtime gardens across Canada and beyond.
With its low-maintenance nature and spreading habit, the Canadian anemone is a versatile addition to woodland gardens, native plantings, and naturalized areas. Its resilience and adaptability make it a beloved choice for gardeners seeking to incorporate native flora into their landscapes while supporting local biodiversity. Mine is present in the surrounding woodland and has appeared along the edge of my shady borders where its spreading behavior is welcome. Living with the natives is the rule!
Japanese anemone: Late-summer elegance
As summer transitions into late summer, the Japanese anemone takes center stage with its elegant blooms and graceful presence. Originating from East Asia, this ornamental species, now classified as Eriocapitella hupehensis (previously Anemone hupehensis), captivates with its showy flowers and extended blooming period, which lasts from late summer to early fall.
Also known as windflower or thimbleweed, the Japanese anemone enchants gardeners with its striking display of single or double blooms in shades of white, pink, or mauve, held aloft on slender stems above deeply lobed foliage. Its ethereal appearance adds a touch of romance and sophistication to garden borders, cottage gardens, and perennial beds.
Anemone ‘Curtain Call Pink’, also known as Eriocapitella hupehensis ‘Curtain Call Pink’, is a striking variety of Japanese anemone. This compact, late-summer bloomer features bright pink, semi-double flowers with a ruffled appearance, standing out beautifully against deep green foliage. It thrives in USDA zones 4-8, preferring partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Its long bloom period, typically from late summer into fall, makes it a great addition to perennial borders, adding a splash of vibrant color when many other plants begin to fade. It is also reputed as less invasive than other anemones.
Many other cultivars of Japanese anemones are available to gardeners. When selecting one for your garden, consider factors such as flower color, bloom time, and growth habit to find the perfect addition to your landscape.
Grapeleaf anemone: Lasting beauty
Grapeleaf anemone is not actually an anemone from Japan, as its other common name, Japanese anemone, might suggest. Although it is often confused with other anemones due to its similar appearance and bloom time, it belongs to a different species. In fact, what we commonly grow in our gardens has been scientifically renamed Eriocapitella x hybrida, an artificial hybrid between E. japonica and E. vitifolia, both native in Asia.
The most common cultivar, ‘Robustissima’, is known for its vigorous growth habit, deeply lobed foliage resembling grape leaves, and clusters of lavender-pink flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall.
Renowned for its resilience and ability to thrive in partial shade, this Japanese anemone is a valuable addition to gardens seeking late-season interest and continuity of bloom. Its long-lasting flowers, which persist well into the autumn months, provide a vital food source for pollinators preparing for the winter ahead.
Most Japanese anemones (species and their hybrids) are known for their potential to be invasive, especially in favorable conditions. Once established, they can spread vigorously through underground rhizomes, forming large colonies that can be difficult to control. This spreading habit allows them to quickly take over garden spaces, potentially crowding out other plants.
While their ability to spread can be beneficial for covering large areas, it can also be problematic in smaller gardens or where more controlled growth is desired. To manage their invasiveness, it’s important to monitor their spread and consider physical barriers or regular division to keep them in check.
Poppy anemone: Ephemeral beauty
Anemone coronaria, commonly known as the poppy anemone or windflower, is a vibrant spring-blooming plant native to the Mediterranean region. These charming flowers, often recognized by their bold, poppy-like petals in shades of red, blue, white, and pink, have been cultivated for centuries in Europe and beyond. Anemone coronaria thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a popular choice for garden beds and containers. It is typically hardy in USDA zones 7-10, where it can withstand mild winters. However, in colder climates, it is not hardy and is best planted as spring bulbs for seasonal color and if wished, lift from the ground and store them over winter.
Grecian windflower : Colorful spring beauty
Anemone blanda, also known as Grecian windflower, blooms in early spring with daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white over delicate, fern-like foliage. I adore the ‘Blue Shades’ as it blends well with other spring blooms such as muscari. These anemones are low-growing and make excellent ground covers or additions to rock gardens.
Before planting, it’s recommended to soak the corms in water for a few hours to help rehydrate them, as this can improve their ability to sprout and establish in the soil.
In Zone 5, the limit of Anemone blanda‘s hardiness, it’s a good idea to plant them in a location with well-drained soil and consider providing some winter mulch for added protection.
In conclusion, anemones may bloom at different times of the year, but all species captivate with their distinct beauty and contributions to the garden landscape. Whether heralding the arrival of spring or adding elegance to late-summer gardens, these enchanting anemones remind us of the timeless allure of nature’s botanical treasures.
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