DESCRIPTION: This group consists of 120 species of perennials, which grow from tubers. These pretty perennials (commonly known as Windflowers) belong to the Buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. They grow wild in many European countries, in North America, and Japan. The attractive, parsley-like leaves of these plants are lobed or divided and the ornate parts of their poppy- or daisy-like flowers are actually sepals; Anemones have no true petals or else they are greatly reduced. The single or double flowers normally open in the spring and their colors include white, yellow, rose, pink and varied shades of blues and purples. A. heterophylla is native from Alabama west into Texas. The parsley-like leaves of this species grow directly from the tubers and are dark purple underneath. This species prefers heavy clay and limestone soils. They look best when planted in groups of a single color. A. blanda (Greek Windflower) is more commonly seen in stores than A. heterophylla. It is a native of southeastern Europe and Turkey and has flowers in an array of colors. This species is the hardiest of the Anemones; in the right conditions, it will naturalize where temperatures fall to -10º F or colder. A. coronaria (Poppy Anemone) is the most popular having 2-inch-wide or wider flowers on 5- to10-inch stems. Its gorgeous flowers often have a center in a contrasting color. They will last four to seven days when cut. Hybrids of the Poppy Anemone have prettier and larger flowers up to 4 inches wide. Poppy Anemones are hardy down to 10º F and don't tolerate wet summers. The medium green, hairy leaves of A. sylvestris (Snowdrop Windflower) are divided and lobed. Its fragrant flowers hang singly or in pairs, on thin stems in the spring and early summer; they are white with yellow anthers. It grows a foot high and wide, but may become invasive in optimum conditions.
POTTING: Windflowers should be grown in very well-drained, moderately fertile soil in a lightly shaded or sunny location. They can be grown from zones 4 to 10 depending upon the variety. Plant the tubers in the fall or spring, unless you live north of their adapted zones; in this case, plant in the spring. Before planting, soak the tubers for a few hours or overnight; if you soak them overnight, you'll be able to see the slightly swollen areas from which shoots will grow. Plant the tubers 3 to 4 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. If you're not sure which end is up, lay them on their sides.
PROPAGATION: The crowns can be divided in the spring or fall. Pieces of root can be taken off in the fall or early spring and placed in containers of sandy loam and leaf mold. Set these containers in a cold frame or cool greenhouse. The cuttings will have enough roots to be planted outside the following summer. After pollination, the central mass of the flowers ripens into a tight cone of feathery seeds, called achenes. These seeds are dispersed in the early summer breezes. The seeds may be sown in containers of sandy soil in the fall. However, the seedlings grow slowly and hybrids won't come true using this propagating method.
VARIETIES: A. hupehensis; A. hupehensis 'September Charm'; A. hupehensis Japonica 'Bressingham Glow'; A. hybrida 'Honorine Jobert'; A. sylvestris (Snowdrop Windflower); A. nemorosa 'Robinsoniana'; A. nemorosa 'Allenii'; A. lipsiensis; A. ranunculoides (Yellow Wood Anemone); A. rivularis; A. narcissiflora; A. virginiana; A. canadensis; A. magellanica; A. vitifolia; A. coronaria (Poppy Anemone); A. fulgens (Scarlet Windflower); A. blanda; A. pulsatilla (Pasque Flower); A. apennina (Apennine Windflower); A. blanda; A. quinquefolia; A. alpina; A. Halleri; A. vernalis.