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Blue Anemone

Anemone apennina

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Ranunculales
Family:
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
25 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Scrub, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Blue, many petals
 
Large, blue daisy-like flowers. Similar in appearance to Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) but the flowers are larger, (usually) blue and have more petals. The petals are narrow. Rarely specimens have white or pink flowers.
Fruit:
The fruit is a winged nutlet (achene).
Leaves:
The dark green leaves are divided into 3 toothed leaflets. Perennial.
Other Names:
Apennine Anemone.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Anemone apennina, also known as Italian anemone or Piedmont anemone, is a perennial plant that is native to Europe. It belongs to the buttercup family and is known for its small, white or pink flowers and divided, hairy leaves. Anemone apennina is a low-growing plant that spreads quickly and is often used as a groundcover in gardens. It is easy to grow and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and climates. Anemone apennina prefers partial shade to full sun and is drought-tolerant once established. The plant is generally hardy and low maintenance, but it can be prone to pests such as slugs and snails. Anemone apennina is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and to determine the safety and effectiveness of using it medicinally.

Blog

The Blue Anemone (Anemone apennina) is a beautiful and unique flower that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial plant that typically blooms in the spring, with delicate blue or violet flowers that sit atop long, slender stems.

One of the most striking features of the Blue Anemone is its vibrant blue color, which is quite rare among flowers. The petals of the flower are arranged in a circular pattern, giving the appearance of a single, large flower. However, each "flower" is actually made up of many small flowers called florets, which are surrounded by a ring of larger petals.

The Blue Anemone is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate full sun or partial shade. It is also quite drought tolerant, making it a great choice for gardeners in arid regions.

One of the best ways to incorporate the Blue Anemone into your garden is to plant it in a rock garden or along a rocky slope. Its natural habitat is rocky hills and it can be naturalized to your garden if you mimic this environment. It can also be grown in raised beds, mixed borders, and even in pots. The blue anemone is a great choice for naturalizing in a wildflower meadow.

The Blue Anemone is not only beautiful, but it is also beneficial for wildlife. The flowers are a source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant is also a host for the larva of several species of butterflies.

In addition to its beauty and hardiness, the Blue Anemone is also relatively low maintenance. It is drought tolerant and can survive with minimal watering, making it a great choice for gardeners who don't want to spend a lot of time on upkeep. However, it's important to note that the Blue Anemone does not tolerate wet soil or standing water, so be sure to plant it in well-drained soil.

Another benefit of the Blue Anemone is its ability to spread and naturalize in the garden. Once established, the plant will spread by seed and underground rhizomes, creating a beautiful carpet of blue in your garden. This can be both a pro and con, as it can be invasive and spread too much in your garden. If you don't want this, you can simply remove the seedheads before they release the seeds.

One interesting fact about the Blue Anemone is that it is also known as the "Windflower" because its flowers are said to "dance" in the breeze. This gives your garden a unique and dynamic element, as the flowers will appear to be moving and swaying with the wind.

Another thing to consider when growing Blue Anemone is the right time to plant it, it is best to plant them in the fall or early spring, when the soil is cool, and the plant is dormant. This will give the roots time to establish before the hot summer months arrive.

When planting Blue Anemone, it is best to plant them in groups rather than as individual plants. This will create a more natural and cohesive look in the garden, and the plants will be more likely to spread and naturalize.

It's also important to note that Blue Anemone can be propagated by division of the rhizomes. This is best done in the fall or early spring, when the plant is dormant. Simply dig up the plant, carefully separate the rhizomes and replant them in the desired location. This is a great way to increase the number of plants in your garden without having to purchase new ones.

In terms of pests and diseases, the Blue Anemone is generally quite resilient. However, it can be affected by slugs and snails, especially when the plants are young. To prevent this, you can use slug bait or copper tape around the base of the plants.

In conclusion, the Blue Anemone is a beautiful and unique flower that is perfect for adding color and interest to your garden. With its vibrant blue color, delicate flowers, and ability to "dance" in the breeze, it is a truly special addition to any garden. It is hardy, low maintenance, and can naturalize in the garden, making it a great choice for any gardener. With the right care and attention, the Blue Anemone can be a beautiful addition to your garden for many years to come.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map