Anemone nemorosa 'Lychette' is a beautiful large-flowered form of our native wood anemone, producing broad, open white flowers held above fresh green foliage on attractive maroon-tinted stems. Flowering slightly later than many other forms of Anemone nemorosa, it is an excellent choice for extending the wood anemone season into late spring.

Growing to around 15cm (6in) tall, 'Lychette' is particularly well suited to woodland gardens, beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, shady borders and other naturalistic planting schemes. Its creeping rhizomes gradually spread where conditions suit, eventually creating attractive patches of white flowers each spring.

• Botanical name: Anemone nemorosa 'Lychette'
• Common name: Wood Anemone
• Flower colour: White
• Flowering time: April-June
• Height: Approximately 15cm (6in)
• Position: Partial shade
• Soil: Humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil
• Habit: Low-growing, spreading rhizomatous perennial
• Suitable for: Woodland gardens, shady borders, beneath deciduous trees and naturalising
• Wildlife: Spring flowers are useful to visiting pollinating insects

About Anemone nemorosa 'Lychette'

Our native wood anemone, Anemone nemorosa, is one of the characteristic flowers of established British woodland. 'Lychette' retains the delicate woodland character of the species but is distinguished by its larger, open, flat white flowers and contrasting dark, maroon-tinted flower stems.

The flowers are held just above a carpet of deeply divided green leaves, with prominent golden-yellow stamens providing a bright centre to each bloom. The combination of white, green and subtle maroon gives 'Lychette' plenty of interest despite its simple colouring.

A Later-Flowering Wood Anemone

'Lychette' typically begins flowering a week or two later than many other forms of Anemone nemorosa. Its flowering season generally falls between April and June, depending on local conditions and spring temperatures.

This makes it especially useful when planted alongside earlier wood anemones, helping to extend the overall display. It also combines naturally with other spring woodland plants as the garden moves from early to late spring.

Excellent for Naturalising

Anemone nemorosa 'Lychette' spreads by creeping underground rhizomes. Once settled into a suitable position, these gradually travel through the upper layers of the soil and produce new shoots, allowing individual plants to develop into attractive patches.

This spreading habit makes 'Lychette' particularly effective for naturalistic planting. Rather than planting in straight rows, position the rhizomes in informal groups beneath trees and shrubs and allow them to spread naturally over subsequent seasons.

Where to Plant Anemone 'Lychette'

A position in partial or dappled shade is ideal. One of the best locations is beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, where the plants receive plenty of light in spring before the canopy develops, followed by increased shade as summer approaches.

The soil should be rich in organic matter, reasonably moisture-retentive during the growing season and well drained. Incorporating leaf mould, garden compost or well-rotted organic matter can help recreate the humus-rich conditions found naturally on a woodland floor.

How to Plant Anemone nemorosa Rhizomes

Unlike the knobbly corms of Anemone blanda, wood anemones grow from slender creeping rhizomes. Plant these horizontally, approximately 3-5cm beneath the soil surface, and cover gently with soil.

Space the rhizomes roughly 10-15cm apart if creating a new colony. They may appear relatively sparse during their first season, but given suitable conditions the rhizomes will gradually spread and knit together to create a much fuller display.

Water after planting if conditions are dry and avoid allowing newly planted rhizomes to become completely desiccated while they establish.

Growing Beneath Trees and Shrubs

'Lychette' is particularly useful beneath deciduous planting. Its growth cycle allows it to make use of the period when sunlight can still reach the woodland floor. The foliage emerges and the plants flower during spring, before gradually becoming dormant as conditions become shadier and drier later in the year.

This makes wood anemones excellent companions for deciduous trees and shrubs without creating excessive competition with summer-growing plants.

Companion Planting

The clean white flowers of 'Lychette' combine beautifully with other woodland and shade-loving plants. Try it alongside snowdrops, primroses, hellebores, erythroniums and other spring-flowering woodland perennials.

It is also useful for creating a more natural transition between formal borders and woodland-style areas. Planting several different spring-flowering species together can provide changing colour and interest over a much longer period.

Wildlife Value

The open flowers expose their stamens clearly, making them accessible to small bees, hoverflies and other insects active during spring. In a wildlife-friendly garden, wood anemones can form part of a varied collection of early-flowering plants providing food for emerging pollinators.

After Flowering

Once flowering has finished, leave the foliage in place to die back naturally. The leaves continue photosynthesising and replenishing the underground rhizomes before the plant enters its summer dormancy.

Don't be concerned when the foliage disappears later in the year. This is part of the plant's natural growth cycle, and established rhizomes will remain dormant underground before producing fresh growth the following spring.

Why Grow Anemone nemorosa 'Lychette'?

• Large, open white flowers
• Attractive maroon-tinted stems
• Larger-flowered form of the native wood anemone
• Flowers from April into late spring
• Compact growth to approximately 15cm
• Excellent for partial and dappled shade
• Ideal beneath deciduous trees and shrubs
• Creeping rhizomes gradually form attractive colonies
• Excellent for naturalising
• Perfect for woodland-style gardens

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Anemone nemorosa 'Lychette' flower?
'Lychette' generally flowers between April and June and tends to bloom a week or two later than many other forms of Anemone nemorosa.

How tall does Anemone 'Lychette' grow?
It is a compact plant, reaching approximately 15cm (6in) tall.

Does Anemone nemorosa 'Lychette' spread?
Yes. It spreads gradually through creeping underground rhizomes and can form attractive patches once established.

Where is the best place to plant wood anemones?
Partial or dappled shade beneath deciduous trees and shrubs is ideal. A humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil will encourage good establishment and naturalisation.

How should Anemone nemorosa rhizomes be planted?
Plant the slender rhizomes horizontally around 3-5cm below the soil surface. Informal groups will produce the most natural-looking display as the plants begin to spread.

With its large white flowers, contrasting maroon-tinted stems and ability to form spreading colonies, Anemone nemorosa 'Lychette' is an excellent choice for bringing the appearance of a spring woodland floor into the garden. Give it a partially shaded position and time to establish, and the creeping rhizomes can develop into increasingly impressive patches of flowers each spring.