by Madison Briggs

Created on: January 09, 2009   Last Updated: September 18, 2011

Anemone blanda, commonly called Grecian Windflowers are beautiful daisy-like flowering mounded clusters that appear in early spring. The varieties of blue, purple, pink or white flowers fill the tops of fern like foliage. Grecian Windflowers are easy to grow in zones 5 to 9 and are quite adaptable to various soils as long as the soils are well drained.

PLANTING AND GROWING TIPS:

• The bulbs resemble dried large raisins unlike your typical spring flowering bulbs such as daffodil or tulips. You should soak these bulbs in lukewarm water for about 6 hours before planting in your border, rock garden or landscape. After soaking, the bulbs will plump up and be more viable for successful growth. It is hard to decide which end should be planted up, so either plant the bulb on its side or do not worry about which side is the top. It will accommodate on its own.

• Plant the soaked bulbs to a depth of 3 inches with spacing of 2 inches apart in either full sun or partial shade. Grecian Windflowers work well in rock gardens, borders with other spring flowers or as naturalized plants on grassy banks.

• The bulbs are deer and other pest resistant, but they are not rot resistant. Make sure you plant in a well drained soil. Wet conditions will cause rot and leaf spot. If you have heavy clay soil, amend the soil with organic material to improve drainage prior to planting. Planting in an area with wind protection will offer you a longer blooming period.

• If you choose to plant the bulbs in pots or hanging baskets, make sure to use a good well drained potting soil. Select containers with adequate drainage holes or bore enough holes into the pots to prevent any standing water or soggy soil. Placing gravel in the bottom of the containers will aid in the drainage. Place the containers in full sun. Plant the bulbs close together to ensure an impressive mound of flowers.

• After planting in the fall between September and early winter, the roots will begin to form. The foliage will appear in late winter resembling fern-like ground cover followed shortly afterwards in early to mid spring with little daisy like flowers in blue, purple, pink or white depending on the variety you choose. The mounds will be about 4 inches tall with an equal spread.

• After the blooming ends, leave the foliage undisturbed. The foliage will gather nutrients for the next year's flowers. Continue watering as needed throughout the summer. At the end of summer, the foliage will begin to yellow and die back as the plant enters the dormancy period. Once your Grecian Windflowers are established, they will continue to spread and reward you each spring with another show of happy little flowers.

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