Species windflower
Violet-white flower on top of green leaves with green stems.

windflower

Anemone blanda 'Blue Shades'

Also Known As - blue wood anemone
The Windflower or Anemone blanda 'Blue Shades' is a stunning flower which will thrive in any flower garden. The foliage is ferny and deeply cut and the stems are of a wonderful shine. The flowers appear in shades of blue, ranging from light shades to darker ones and combine exquisitely with other colors in any garden. They are resilient and hardy, able to survive even the harshest conditions. Meanwhile, they bloom from April until June, adding an ever-changing landscape to your garden. The Windflower's blooms create a romantic and magical atmosphere that is sure to captivate viewers. Truly a spectacular flower, it will surely add a magical sensation to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

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 Shades') regularly to ensure it gets enough moisture for healthy growth. During the active growth period, water your windflower about once a week with enough water to keep the soil evenly moist. Water until the excess moisture drains away. Make sure to water the soil, not the foliage. During periods of hot, dry weather, your windflower may need to be watered more often. Once established, your windflower should be able to survive some degree of drought, but it will do better with regular water.

sunlight

Windflower (Anemone blanda 'Blue Shades') enjoys full sunlight and does best in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This can be either in the morning or afternoon, so long as the plant receives a full 6 hours of light each day. Because windflowers resemble small daisies, they may need additional shade during the hottest times of the day in order to protect their delicate petals from wilting or sunburn. During the summer months when temperatures may be higher, try providing windflowers with some relief from the sun during the longest and hottest hours of the day.

pruning

Windflower (Anemone blanda 'Blue Shades') should be pruned once a year in late spring or early summer, just after flowering has finished. Pruning should involve removing any dead or dying foliage and cutting back the stems to the base. Pruning windflower helps to encourage new foliage and flower growth. For best results, pruning should only remove stems that are dead, dying or damaged in some way; otherwise, the plant should be left alone to maintain its vigor. It's not necessary to prune heavily every year as too much pruning can make the plant grow lanky and weak.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Anemone blanda 'Blue Shades' typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Anemone blanda 'Blue Shades' is typically harvested in late spring and early summer, so the months to start harvesting the fruits would be April, May, June, and July.

Harvest Fruit

Anemone blanda 'Blue Shades' is typically harvested in late spring and early summer, so the months to start harvesting the fruits would be April, May, June, and July.

Hardiness Map

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.