Species windflower Guide
Tiny green leaves, pink flowers with yellow pistils.

windflower

Anemone hybrida 'Pretty Lady Diana'

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Rose-pink with yellow stamens Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,pink,white

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Windflowers should be watered roughly once per week in the summer and once every 2 weeks in the winter. The amount of water needed will depend on the size of the pot, as well as the climate and temperature. Windflower plants tend to do best with soil that is wet, but not soggy or waterlogged. To avoid over-watering, check the soil’s moisture before watering. If the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, it’s time to water. Generally, water until the excess begins to drain from the pot, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again.

sunlight

Windflower (Anemone hybrida 'Pretty Lady Diana') should be planted in an area that receives full sun during the morning hours and partial shade during the afternoon to protect it from too much intense sun. The plant will need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day, especially in the spring and summer, to thrive and bloom. It’s important to avoid any type of reflected sunlight, to ensure that the roots do not become too hot. Too much heat can put it in a stressed state, or even kill the plant.

pruning

Windflowers (Anemone hybrida 'Pretty Lady Diana') should be pruned lightly during the winter while the plant is dormant. You can prune away any dead or damaged stems, as well as any old flower clusters and spent flower heads. This will also help to encourage new growth and flowering the following season. Prune lightly so as to avoid cutting back more than 1-third of the stems. If your windflower is particularly overgrown or needs a more severe pruning due to lack of flowering, it may be advisable to prune more aggressively in late spring or early summer by cutting back more than 1/3 of the stems. Take care to avoid pruning back more than 2-thirds of the stems, as this could be detrimental to the plant’s health. Do not prune beyond mid-summer as this could affect the following season’s flower production.

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.