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Anemone, Genus, spp., Multiple species,

Genus
Multiple species

anemones and thimbleweeds

Ranunculaceae

Temperate regions of both hemispheres

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Anemone is a genus of more than 100 perennials in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), spread across temperate regions of both hemispheres, with the greatest variety in the Northern Hemisphere. Plants grow from rhizomes, tubers, or fibrous roots and range from low woodland carpeters a few inches high to upright border plants 4 ft (1.2 m) tall. The leaves are usually divided or lobed and often deeply cut, gathered at the base and in a whorl below the flowers. The flowers have no true petals; instead 5 to 20 petal-like sepals open in white, pink, blue, purple, red, or yellow, often around a central boss of stamens, and are followed by rounded or cottony seed heads. Different species bloom in spring, summer, or autumn, so the genus as a whole flowers across much of the year. All parts contain protoanemonin and are poisonous if eaten, and the sap can irritate the skin. The genus ranges from drought-tolerant tuberous species of dry hills to damp-ground woodlanders, so growing needs differ widely between species.

Native Range

Native to temperate zones around the world, including Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of the Southern Hemisphere, in habitats from alpine meadows and open woodland to grassland and dry hillsides. Familiar species include the European wood anemone A. nemorosa and the autumn-flowering Japanese anemones derived from A. hupehensis.

Suggested Uses

Used in woodland gardens, rock gardens, mixed borders, and naturalized drifts, with spring species for early colour and Japanese anemones for late-season flowers. Tuberous florists' anemones are also grown for cut flowers. The wide range of forms suits sites from shady woodland to sunny borders, with species chosen to match the conditions.

How to Identify

Recognized by divided or deeply lobed leaves, often in a whorl below the flower stalk, and by flowers built from 5 to 20 petal-like sepals rather than true petals. The flowers come in white, pink, blue, purple, or red and give way to rounded or cottony seed heads. The whorl of leaves beneath the flower and the petal-like sepals separate Anemone from buttercups Ranunculus, which have glossy true petals.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3" - 4'

Width/Spread6" - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Flowers: March–October

Spring Summer Fall

Bloom time depends on the species: spring anemones flower from February to May, summer kinds in June and July, and Japanese anemones from late summer into autumn (August-October). Most flowers open in sun and are visited by bees and other insects. Many species form cottony or rounded seed heads after the sepals drop.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, pink, blue, purple, red, or yellow

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5 (Acidic to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Growing needs vary by type: spring and woodland species suit part shade and humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil, while tuberous and autumn-flowering kinds take more sun and tolerate drier ground. Most prefer well-drained soil and resent waterlogging in winter. Hardiness ranges widely, with many species growing in USDA zones 4-8 and tender tuberous types limited to milder zones. Spring species often die back and go dormant by summer, while autumn kinds hold their foliage until frost. All parts are poisonous if eaten, and the sap can irritate the skin. Tuberous species are soaked and planted in autumn or spring, and clumps of spreading kinds are divided when crowded.

Pruning

Spent flower stems are cut back after bloom, and tatty foliage is removed as spring species go dormant. Autumn-flowering kinds are cut to the ground in late autumn or winter once frost has finished them. Spreading rhizomatous species are dug back at the edges to control their advance.