Soak anemone bulbs before planting, then set them 2–3 inches deep. Anemone blanda is hardy for fall planting. Coronaria and de Caen types need a mild winter, or can be planted in spring.
When to plant
Fall for Anemone blanda in zones 5–9, and for coronaria and de Caen types in zones 7–10. In colder zones, store coronaria and de Caen bulbs dry and plant them after your last spring frost
Depth
2–3 inches
Spacing
4–6 inches apart for coronaria and de Caen; 3–5 inches for blanda
Sun
Full sun to part shade; afternoon shade in hot climates
Water
Evenly moist while growing; never waterlogged
Soil
Well-drained, enriched with compost
Step by step
Check which anemones you have. *Anemone blanda* (Grecian windflower) is the small, hardy, daisy-like type, and coronaria and de Caen types are the larger, poppy-like flowers.
Soak the bulbs in lukewarm water before planting. Soak blanda overnight, and coronaria and de Caen for 3–4 hours.
Choose a spot with full sun or part shade and well-drained soil, and work in some compost.
Plant the bulbs 2–3 inches deep. If you can see a point, set it facing up. If you can't tell which way is up, plant it anyway; anemones grow whichever way they land.
Space coronaria and de Caen 4–6 inches apart, and blanda 3–5 inches apart.
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to hold moisture.
After bloom
Let the foliage die back on its own. Blanda can stay put and spreads into wider patches each year. In zones colder than 7, lift coronaria and de Caen bulbs once the leaves yellow. Lay them in a single layer somewhere dry, airy and out of the sun for about a week, then store them in a mesh bag somewhere cool and dry. Check now and then for soft or moldy ones.
