Species windflower
Red blooms with a black-white center, green leaves on green stems.

windflower

Anemone coronaria

The windflower, Anemone coronaria, is an amazing plant species for so many reasons. Its bright, attractive blooms, shaped like stars, come in a variety of colors. The flower buds hold their own unique charm with their yellow and green centers. Its airy, wispy petals move gracefully with the breeze, adding a whimsical touch to any outdoor landscape. The robust beauty of the windflower also makes it a popular flower to have on a wedding day. With minimal care these stunning plants will return season after season to delight, bringing with them a breath of fresh air time and time again.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 10

Flowers:

Blue, red or white with black center Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Alkaline

Fruits:

brown,black Fruits In Summer Ready In Spring

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Windflower plants are best watered when the soil is slightly dry to the touch. You should water your windflower plants about once a week, adding enough water to soak the soil up to 3-4 inches deep. You should not allow your windflower plants to sit in overly wet soil, as this can cause the roots to rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before you water again.

sunlight

Windflower plants need at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt and become sickly. Morning sun is best for windflowers, so it's best to position them somewhere they can get at least a few hours of sunlight before the afternoon hours. Windflowers do not like the intense afternoon heat, so it's important to give them at least partial shade during the hottest part of the day.

pruning

Windflower should generally be pruned at the end of its flowering season. The ideal time would be late autumn or early winter when the flowering period is over. Pruning should be minimal, as the windflower is a slow-growing species. Depending on the size of the plant, only up to 1-third or 1-quarter of the old plant tissue should be removed. Pruning should also focus on dead and dying stems and those that look weak and unhealthy.

Season

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

Anemone coronaria typically start flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Harvest Fruit

Anemone coronaria is typically harvested in the months of April and May.

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.