Anemone blanda
Anemone blanda
Grecian windflower produces daisy-like flowers in blue, pink, and white from February to April. Low-growing and ideal for naturalising under deciduous trees and shrubs. Soak knobbly tubers overnight before planting. Spreads by self-seeding to form colourful carpets. One of the easiest and most rewarding spring bulbs for UK gardens.
Where to plant
Best aspect
Border position
When to plant and expect flowers
Plant
Flowers
How to grow anemone blanda
Soak hard tubers overnight before planting 5cm deep in autumn. Plant the right way up is difficult — plant sideways if unsure. Naturalises freely under deciduous trees. Available in blue, pink, white, and mixed. Blue forms are most vigorous.
Soil requirements
Soil type
loam, sand, chalk
Moisture
well drained
pH
neutral, alkaline
Aftercare
Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Remove spent flower heads to prevent self-seeding.
Propagation
- Offsets in autumn
- Seed
Wildlife value
Toxicity
Contains protoanemonin causing skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
Common problems
- Dry tubers can fail to establish
- Smut disease
- Slugs
Similar bulbs to grow
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