Species windflower
Lush green leaves with green stems and white flowers.

windflower

Anemone canadensis

The Windflower (Anemone canadensis) is an amazing showstopper of a flower. It looks very beautiful, with its stunning white petals surrounding a dark center. Its sturdy stems can reach up to two feet tall, making it an impressive sight in the flowerbed. It blooms in the late summer and its delightful blossoms make a wonderful addition to any garden or meadow. Plus, it's an excellent pollinator plant, attracting plenty of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. So, not only does the Windflower add beauty to any landscape, it also helps support other species. What a beautiful and useful plant!

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay Humus Rocky

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Windflowers should be watered regularly from spring until frost. In their first growing season, water to maintain consistently damp soil. During hot, dry periods, water deeply enough for water to reach the deepest roots. In subsequent seasons, water deeply enough for the water to reach the soil layers below the root ball but not so much that the soil is soggy. Water with a garden hose or a watering can, allowing the water to trickle slowly at its base. Generally, water once per week, or whenever the soil appears dry (1 inch down).

sunlight

The Windflower (Anemone canadensis) thrives in full sun and partial shade. It prefers a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day and can handle up to 8 or 9 hours at the most. Early morning sun is best, as it helps promote strong flowering in the warmer summer months. If the Windflower is exposed to too much sunlight, the leaves and flowers can become scorched.

pruning

Windflower should be pruned in the late winter shortly before they begin to bloom. Pruning involves cutting off the dead flower heads and foliage. To encourage new growth, cut back the flower stems to a pair of healthy buds. For especially tall or overgrown Windflower plants, cut back up to 1/3 of the plant's height. Pruning the Windflower too often may reduce flowering.

Season

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

Anemone canadensis typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Anemone canadensis typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

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.