Anemone 'Galilee Bordeaux' is a particularly sumptuous anemone, producing deep burgundy-maroon flowers with velvety petals and a rich purple-black eye. The exceptionally dark colouring gives the flowers a dramatic appearance, making this an excellent choice for adding depth and contrast to spring and early summer planting.

Growing to around 25cm tall, 'Galilee Bordeaux' is compact enough for containers and the front of borders, while its strong stems and striking flowers make it an excellent cut flower. The blooms typically appear during May and June, providing richly coloured flowers as the garden moves towards summer.

• Botanical name: Anemone 'Galilee Bordeaux'
• Flower colour: Deep burgundy-maroon with a purple-black centre
• Flowering time: May-June
• Height: Approximately 25cm (10in)
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Suitable for: Borders, containers and cut flowers
• Planting season: Autumn or spring
• Wildlife: Open flowers are accessible to visiting pollinating insects

About Anemone 'Galilee Bordeaux'

'Galilee Bordeaux' belongs to the colourful group of anemones commonly grown for their large, poppy-like flowers. Its defining feature is its extraordinary colouring. The broad petals are a dark wine-red to burgundy-maroon, with a soft, velvet-like appearance, surrounding a contrasting purple-black centre.

The result is a sophisticated flower that looks particularly effective amongst paler pinks, whites and blues. It can also be combined with similarly rich shades for a dramatic jewel-toned planting scheme.

An Excellent Anemone for Cut Flowers

Anemones are highly prized as cut flowers, and 'Galilee Bordeaux' is particularly attractive in arrangements thanks to its intense colouring. The relatively simple form of the flower contrasts beautifully with more intricate blooms, while the dark centre gives each stem a strong focal point.

For the longest vase life, cut stems while the flowers are still relatively young and place them promptly into clean water. Growing a group of corms rather than individual plants will provide a much more useful supply of stems for cutting while still leaving plenty of flowers to enjoy in the garden.

Where to Plant Anemone 'Galilee Bordeaux'

Choose a sunny, sheltered position in fertile soil with excellent drainage. These anemones originate from the Mediterranean region and dislike sitting in cold, waterlogged ground, particularly while the corms are dormant.

Sandy and loamy soils are ideal. If your garden has heavy clay soil, incorporate plenty of horticultural grit and organic matter to improve drainage before planting. Raised beds and containers are useful alternatives where winter drainage is difficult.

The plants generally prefer neutral to alkaline conditions. On strongly acidic soils, some gardeners use a suitable garden lime to raise the pH, although it is sensible to test the soil before making substantial adjustments.

How to Plant Anemone Galilee Bordeaux Corms

The dry corms can look surprisingly small and shrivelled before planting. Soaking them in room-temperature water for several hours before planting helps them rehydrate and can encourage quicker establishment. Overnight soaking is also commonly used, but prolonged soaking should be avoided.

Plant the rehydrated corms approximately 5cm deep, spacing them around 8-10cm apart. If it is difficult to determine which way up a corm should go, plant it on its side; the emerging shoots will naturally find their way towards the surface.

Growing in Containers

At only around 25cm tall, 'Galilee Bordeaux' is very well suited to pots. Use a container with generous drainage holes and fill it with fertile, free-draining compost. Adding horticultural grit can help maintain good drainage during wet weather.

Planting several corms together creates a much stronger display than growing a single plant. The dark Bordeaux flowers look especially impressive in simple terracotta or neutral-coloured containers where their unusual colouring becomes the focus.

Flowering in May and June

Under typical UK garden conditions, 'Galilee Bordeaux' flowers during May and June, although the exact timing can vary according to planting time, local weather and growing conditions.

Regular deadheading prevents energy being directed into seed production and helps keep plants looking tidy. Where flowers are being grown for cutting, regular harvesting naturally performs much the same role.

Companion Planting

The deep burgundy flowers are exceptionally easy to use as a contrast plant. Pair 'Galilee Bordeaux' with white flowers for a crisp, dramatic combination, or combine it with pale pink and lilac flowers for a softer display.

It also works beautifully alongside spring bulbs and low-growing perennials. Silver and grey foliage can be particularly effective, highlighting the rich wine-red petals without competing with the flowers.

Why Grow Anemone 'Galilee Bordeaux'?

• Exceptional deep burgundy-maroon flowers
• Rich purple-black central eye
• Velvet-like petals
• Compact growth to approximately 25cm
• Flowers during May and June
• Superb cut flower
• Excellent for containers
• Ideal towards the front of sunny borders
• Beautiful planted in groups
• Creates striking contrast with paler flowers

Frequently Asked Questions

Should Anemone 'Galilee Bordeaux' corms be soaked before planting?
Yes. Soaking the dry corms in room-temperature water for several hours before planting helps rehydrate them and encourages establishment.

How tall does Anemone 'Galilee Bordeaux' grow?
Plants reach approximately 25cm (10in) tall, making them suitable for borders as well as pots and containers.

When does Anemone 'Galilee Bordeaux' flower?
Flowers are generally produced during May and June, although timing can vary with planting date and weather conditions.

Can I grow Galilee Bordeaux anemones in pots?
Yes. Their compact habit makes them excellent container plants. Use a fertile, free-draining compost and ensure the pot has good drainage.

Is Anemone 'Galilee Bordeaux' good for cutting?
Yes. It makes an excellent cut flower, with strong stems and unusually rich burgundy flowers that provide dramatic colour in arrangements.

With its velvety burgundy-maroon petals, dark purple centre and excellent performance as a cut flower, Anemone 'Galilee Bordeaux' is one of the most dramatic choices for a spring bulb display. Plant the corms generously in sunny borders or containers for a spectacular flush of richly coloured flowers in May and June.