Anemone blanda var. rosea is a charming spring-flowering anemone producing masses of soft, pale pink daisy-like flowers above attractive, finely divided green foliage. Commonly known as a windflower, this compact perennial is particularly effective when planted in groups, where it can gradually establish into colourful drifts.
Flowering during March and April and reaching only around 13cm (5in) tall, it is ideal for naturalising beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, along woodland edges, at the front of borders and in rock gardens. Once established in suitable conditions, the plants can return each spring and gradually spread to create an increasingly impressive display.
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Botanical name: Anemone blanda var. rosea
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Common name: Pink Windflower
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Flower colour: Pale pink
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Flowering time: March-April
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Height: Approximately 13cm (5in)
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Position: Sun or partial shade
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Soil: Fertile, humus-rich and well-drained
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Habit: Low-growing bulbous perennial
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Suitable for: Naturalising, woodland gardens, borders, rock gardens and containers
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Wildlife: Early flowers provide a useful food source for visiting pollinators
About Anemone blanda var. rosea
Anemone blanda is valued for bringing carpets of colour to the garden early in the year. The rosea form offers particularly pretty pale pink flowers, each composed of slender petals surrounding a lighter centre and contrasting yellow stamens.
The flowers appear above deeply cut, fern-like foliage, creating a delicate appearance despite the plant being a useful and reliable garden perennial when provided with suitable conditions. The blooms open most fully in bright weather, producing cheerful splashes of colour just as the garden begins to wake from winter.
Excellent for Naturalising
One of the great attractions of Anemone blanda var. rosea is its suitability for naturalising. Rather than planting individual corms at regular intervals, scatter them informally and plant them where they fall. This creates a much more natural appearance as the plants emerge in spring.
Given time, established plants can form larger colonies. They look particularly attractive beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, where they can take advantage of spring sunshine before the overhead canopy develops fully.
Where to Plant Pink Windflowers
Choose a position in full sun or partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil. A woodland-style position beneath deciduous plants is particularly suitable, provided the soil does not remain waterlogged.
Their compact size makes these anemones useful at the front of borders and amongst other low-growing spring plants. They are also well suited to rock gardens and containers, where their delicate flowers can be appreciated at close range.
How to Plant Anemone blanda Corms
The small, dry corms can look rather shrivelled when they arrive, which is perfectly normal. Soak the corms in room-temperature water for several hours before planting to help rehydrate them and encourage establishment.
Plant approximately 5cm deep and around 5-8cm apart. It can be difficult to identify the top and bottom of an Anemone blanda corm, so don't worry if you cannot tell which way up it should go. Planting the corm on its side works perfectly well.
For the best effect, plant generously. Groups of 10, 20 or more corms will produce a much stronger display than isolated plants and provide the beginnings of a natural-looking colony.
Flowering in March and April
The pale pink flowers generally appear during March and April, although exact flowering time will vary according to weather and location. At only around 13cm tall, they create a low carpet of colour that combines beautifully with other early spring bulbs.
After flowering, allow the foliage to remain in place until it naturally yellows and dies back. During this period the leaves are replenishing the underground corms, helping to produce another display the following spring.
Growing Anemone blanda in Containers
Pink windflowers also perform well in pots. Plant the corms fairly closely together in a container filled with good-quality, free-draining compost. They can be grown alone or combined with other small spring bulbs to create a succession of flowers.
Containers should have adequate drainage holes, as the corms dislike sitting in persistently wet compost. Position the pot somewhere sunny or lightly shaded during the growing season.
Wildlife Value
Early spring flowers can be particularly valuable in wildlife-friendly gardens because fewer plants are blooming at this time of year. The open flowers of Anemone blanda allow visiting bees and other pollinating insects easy access to pollen and nectar.
Combining them with crocuses, snowdrops and other early-flowering bulbs can help provide a succession of flowers through the latter part of winter and into spring.
Companion Planting
The soft pink flowers are easy to combine with other spring colours. Try planting them alongside blue and violet Anemone blanda forms for a mixed carpet, or contrast them with white snowdrops and yellow winter aconites.
They also work particularly well beneath deciduous shrubs and amongst hellebores, primroses and other woodland-style perennials. Their foliage disappears after the growing season, allowing later-emerging plants to occupy the same space during summer.
Why Grow Anemone blanda var. rosea?
- Pretty pale pink spring flowers
- Flowers during March and April
- Compact growth to approximately 13cm
- Excellent for naturalising
- Ideal beneath deciduous trees and shrubs
- Suitable for sun or partial shade
- Perfect for woodland-style planting
- Excellent in rock gardens and containers
- Attractive finely divided foliage
- Useful early flowers for visiting pollinators
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Anemone blanda var. rosea flower?
It normally flowers during March and April, providing pale pink colour early in the gardening year.
How tall does Anemone blanda var. rosea grow?
Plants remain compact, reaching approximately 13cm (5in) tall.
Should Anemone blanda corms be soaked before planting?
Yes. Soaking the dry corms in room-temperature water for several hours before planting helps them rehydrate before growth begins.
Which way up should I plant Anemone blanda corms?
The top and bottom can be difficult to distinguish. If you're unsure, simply plant the corm on its side and the emerging shoots will find their way upwards.
Will Anemone blanda var. rosea naturalise?
Yes. It is particularly well suited to naturalising and, given suitable conditions, can gradually establish attractive colonies that return each spring.
With its pale pink flowers, compact habit and ability to naturalise, Anemone blanda var. rosea is an excellent choice for bringing gentle colour to the early spring garden. Plant the corms generously in informal groups and allow them to develop into beautiful drifts beneath shrubs, through borders or in woodland-style planting.
