windflower
Anemone blanda 'Blue Star'
Also Known As - blue wood anemoneCycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 8
Flowers:
Blue, white, pink, purplish red Flowers
Sun:
full sun,part shade
Soil:
Humus rich, Well-drained
Fruits:
blue,purple Fruits In Spring Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Moderate
watering
Water your windflower (Anemone blanda ‘Blue Star’) 2 to 3 times per week. Check the soil moisture level before watering and water only when the soil is dry. Make sure the soil is damp but not overly soggy. During the active growing season in spring and early summer, water deeply to keep the soil moist. In the autumn months, reduce watering as the plant will not be actively growing at this time. During the winter, suspend watering altogether to give the plant time to go dormant.
sunlight
Windflower (Anemone blanda 'Blue Star') prefers to grow in areas that receive full sunlight for at least part of the day. These plants are most successful when they receive full sun for a minimum of 6 hours a day, although they do well with up to 12 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is important to note that these plants may show signs of stress when exposed to too much direct sun, so it is recommended that they receive partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
pruning
Windflower (Anemone blanda 'Blue Star') should be pruned twice over the course of the season to keep the plants healthy and promote strong new growth. Pruning should be done once in early spring, just before the growth begins, and then again after flowering in the summer. When pruning in early spring, trim the foliage back to 1-2 inches above the ground. This helps remove any damaged leaves and keep the plant looking neat and tidy. When pruning after flowering, remove any dead or diseased stems, any old flower heads and any spindly branches. Leave the foliage intact, as this helps promote the growth of new flowers for the next season.
FAQ
Is the wind flower hardy plant?
Yes, the wind flower is a hardy plant that is known for its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. It can be found growing in areas with low temperatures, high winds, and periods of drought. It is also a tough plant that is tolerant of abuse from people and animals. With adequate amounts of sun and water, the wind flower can thrive in any landscape.
Can windflower tolerate wild drought?
Yes, windflowers (Anemone acutiloba) are quite tolerant of drought conditions. The plant's root system is quite deep, enabling it to reach down to water sources even during long periods of little or no rainfall. Not only is it tolerant of drought, but windflower is also highly resistant to most pests and disease. It is often referred to as a “tough beauty” for its ability to withstand harsh climates as well as its bold and lush appearance.
Are windflowers easy to grow from seed?
Yes, windflowers, or Anemone blanda, are relatively easy to grow from seed. They are native to grassland habitats in Europe and the Mediterranean, which makes them accustomed to growing in well-drained, lightly-fertilized soils. It is often recommended to sow windflower seeds directly onto the soil, where they should be kept moist in warmer climates. They are a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring little water and light pruning, and they can make spectacular additions to any garden.
Could windflowers be grown in containers?
Yes, windflowers can be grown in containers. Planting the seeds indoors in a sunny spot and then transplanting your windflowers to containers once the seedlings are about 3 inches tall is a great way to get your container windflower garden started. Windflowers do best when grown in well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. Fertilize and trim your container windflowers as needed, taking care to deadhead them regularly so they will keep producing blooms throughout the season. To protect your windflowers in the winter, either move the container indoors or invest in a winter heating blanket. With proper care, your container windflower garden can flourish year-round.
Can windflowers be used as cut flowers?
Yes, windflowers can be used as cut flowers. They have delicate five-petaled crepe-textured flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. While they are mostly grown as a potted plant, they can be cut and used as a suitable option for flower bouquets and other decorations. Windflowers will make more of an impact when you group them together with other blooming elements.
How long do windflowers typically bloom?
Windflowers, also known as Anemones, typically bloom from late spring to early summer, last around 4 to 6 weeks. The exact time of bloom may vary depending on weather conditions, but will usually last from mid-April to mid-June. Some varieties may also flower for a second time in late summer or even into the autumn months.
Do windflowers have a strong fragrant?
Windflowers (Anemone blanda) are not known for their fragrant. They are small flowers, with a bell-shaped bloom which typically come in shades of blue, pink, white, and purples. Although windflowers aren't known for a strong scent, it has been said that when grown in groups windflowers can give off a pleasant smell with a hint of citrus. They are charming flowers that look beautiful when grown in the garden and are lovely to admire, however, if you are looking for a strongly fragrant flower, a windflower is not ideal.
Should windflowers be planted in the fall or spring?
Windflowers should be planted in the spring. While they may be able to survive if planted in the fall, they will experience much better growth and hardiness in the spring months when temperatures are warmer and soil is easier to work with. Since windflowers are typically hardy, they can be planted in spring as early as the last frost date, which allows them to take advantage of the spring rains which will help them to become established without having to be heavily watered by hand.