Anemone hortensis

Anemone hortensis (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Spring

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 35cm

Eventual Spread: 15cm

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Ranunculaceae

Anemone hortensis is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a mat forming habit. Its mid green leaves are deeply divided palmate with up to 5 toothed lobes, up to 8cm broad and long and appear in spring and die down during the summer months. Its fragrant white/ blue/ purple flowers are solitary, up to 6cm across, have lanceolate petals and usually appear before its leaves. Its roots are rhizomes which aids its spread.

Anemone hortensis Flower (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Anemone hortensis, commonly known as Broad Leaved Anemone or Starry Anemone, is native to the Mediterranean region. In its native habitat it grows in scrub and grassland.

The etymological root of the binomial name Anemone may be a derivation of the Hebrew word for Adonis.Hortensis is derived from the Latin hortus meaning ‘garden’.

The landscape architect may find Anemone hortensis useful for planting and naturalising under deciduous trees. It may also form a component of a wild flower meadow.

Anemone hortensis Leaf (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically, Anemone hortensis flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

Anemone hortensis prefers moist, humus rich, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.

Anemone hortensis requires little maintenance.