Specialist anemones

RHS Genus Guide

These anemones are small, delicate plants that need carefully controlled growing conditions. Many must be kept dry in summer while they’re dormant, so are best kept in a greenhouse over summer. There’s also a group of woodland anemones that like rich soil that doesn’t dry out, so are usually grown in pots in a coldframe.

Appearance

White, pink, purple, blue or yellow, cup-shaped or starry flowers open virtually flat, sometimes to reveal delicate veining on the petals.

Preferences

These plants like plenty of sun and good drainage. In containers, the compost should have added grit or sharp sand to aid drainage. Some need a dry spell in summer.

Dislikes

They dislike wet soil that doesn’t drain freely, and won’t flower in shade. Protect plants from summer rainfall unless they are naturally woodlanders.