4:29pm Sunday 21st February 2010
By Ann Janes
Just mention anemones and we immediately think of the brightly coloured blooms that create such an impression in florist shops and on market stalls. As soon as they appear they are in huge demand as cut flowers and it’s easy to see why. With their combination of vibrant colours and simple open shapes it’s no wonder they are irresistible. But the story doesn’t begin and end there, these ever popular flowers are only one part of an easy-going family, many of which are fully hardy, and can do a lot to enhance your garden.
The ones most commonly seen are varieties of the species Anemone coronaria. Blessed with brilliant colours they are usually from the De Caen and St Brigid series, the only difference being in size. Given the right growing conditions and dead-heading right back to soil level it isn’t unusual to have a succession of up to twenty flowers from one plant. Generally most varieties like to be planted in a sunny position in well-drained, humus rich soil, although a few prefer semi-shade whilst others are tolerant of damp shade. Depending on when you want your plants to flower the tubers can be planted in late winter/early spring, autumn or summer, although the latter is only really suitable for a really sheltered position. On the whole they tend to be fairly pest free but in cold and wet weather grey mould can be a problem. Pick off any infected leaves as soon as possible. In hot dry weather look out for powdery mildew and control by watering thoroughly and applying a mulch. Greenfly can be sorted out by spraying with soapy water.
The vigorous and fully hardy Japanese anemones (A. japonica) are stars of the autumn garden. With their pink and white flowers borne on branching stems these come into their own during the late summer. Another popular variety is A. blanda. These charming little plants flower in the early spring in shades of rich blue (Atrocaerulea), white (White Splendour), pink (Pink Star or Charmer) or magenta (Radar). Propagate in early winter when the leaves have died back. Planted in the right place they will seed freely and be an attractive addition to the edge of your borders.
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