Anemone: how to grow these glorious spring flowers

Anemone pavonina tubers are best planted in the spring. Alternatively, Special Plants sells the red form of A. pavonina as seed, which should be sown in the autumn.

A. coronaria can be planted in spring, early summer, or autumn. For March flowers, a September planting is required and (in all but the mildest regions of the UK) is best done in pots that are kept under cover (for instance, in a greenhouse) during winter, before being planted outside in February or March. For flowers in early summer, plant in early spring.

Japanese and Chinese anemones like to be planted between November and March.

Wood anemones should be planted 5 to 8 centimetres deep in humus-rich, well-drained, retentive soil in light shade or semi-shade. If you don’t have a woodland garden, forking in leafmould before planting will create the perfect conditions. For naturalising a large area, choose Anemone nemorosa, A. ranunculoides, or A. blanda. If you have areas of dry shade, the charming sky-blue A. apennina is the best option, although not widely available.

If planting A. coronaria in pots to overwinter indoors, never let the pots become waterlogged – only scant watering is required to prevent the compost becoming parched. In the milder regions of the UK, plant direct in September or early spring and guard from severe cold with cloches or upturned buckets; in colder regions, only plant direct once the weather has warmed. Plant 5 to 10 centimetres deep, in sheltered full sun, in well-drained soil (a light, sandy soil is ideal). As detailed above, always soak before planting.

Plant A. pavonina 5 to 8 centimetres deep in well-drained soil in full sun. In colder areas, it appreciates a sheltered gravel garden or the base of a south-facing wall.

Wild Swan is usually best in semi-shade; it can sulk in sun unless it has soil that remains moist (fork in organic matter, such as peat-free compost, to achieve this).

The bombproof Japanese and Chinese anemones should be planted in well-drained, retentive soil in semi-shade, where they have elbow room to spread. Being thugs, they suit an informal, scrubby patch of garden, where they can extend themselves without becoming a nuisance. Their leaves irritate the skin, so wear gloves and long sleeves when handling them.

Do anemones do well in pots?

Many anemones (including A. blanda and A. nemorosa) can be grown in well-drained containers of loam-based peat-free compost. Some – especially the Mediterranean species (such as A. pavonina) – benefit from this in colder areas, since it allows them to be moved under cover for winter. Never let the pot sit in a tray of water for long periods.

What are the best anemones for cutting?

Colourful Anemone coronaria makes an excellent cut flower in spring and early summer. Grown in rows in the vegetable patch, it provides a blast of colour; alternatively, it can be cultivated in borders or containers.

According to some florists, anemones represent sincerity. But in many cultures, the flower’s overriding symbolism is sorrow and death; no doubt because the plant contains the toxin protoanemonin. Therefore, in case the recipient is symbol savvy, it might not be the best flower to send as a gift!

Anemone pests and diseases

Protect anemones from slugs, and prevent powdery mildew by planting in suitable conditions with good air flow. Anemones are poisonous to pets, so are best avoided if you have a puppy that eats everything in sight.