In contrast to autumn anemones, almost all anemones that provide bright colors in the flower bed in spring are grown from flower bulbs. If cared for properly, they form dense clumps. In winter you have to provide winter protection or, even better, dig up the tubers in autumn.
How do you properly care for anemones?
Anemone care includes planting in good soil, occasional watering in dry weather, fertilizing with compost, infrequent transplanting and dividing, no cutting except when flowering, pest protection, and winter protection with mulch or digging up and storing.
How to water anemones correctly?
- Watering after planting
- Only water when the soil is dry
- Keep anemones dry
- Avoid waterlogging
Anemones require very little watering except after the tubers have been planted. The soil is usually still moist enough in spring. Be sure to avoid floors that are too wet or even waterlogged.
Do anemones need fertilizer?
Amend the soil with some mature compost before planting. You should also lime very acidic soils. Anemones don’t need more fertilizer.
Can anemones be repotted or transplanted?
Anemones that you keep in pots need to be repotted if the plant has spread too much. Divide the anemone by separating tubers or dividing the root.
In the garden, it is not worth transplanting anemones during the current season. You should dig up most varieties in the fall anyway.
When do anemones need to be cut?
Basically, you don't have to cut anemones at all. However, if you cut off the dead flowers, the plant will produce more flowers. The leaves remain until autumn and are only removed when they are yellow and you dig up the tubers.
What pests and diseases can occur?
Caterpillars are causing problems for the anemones. Collect the pests. If the leaves turn brown prematurely and wither, the plant is suffering from anemone rust. Cut off affected leaves generously.
What winter protection do anemones need?
Some tuberous anemones are conditionally hardy. They will survive the winter if you put a thick cover of leaves on the planting site.
You should always dig up non-hardy varieties such as Anemone coronaria in autumn and overwinter in a dark, frost-free and dry place.
Tips & Tricks
Most varieties of anemones grown from onions cannot tolerate sub-zero temperatures. Place the tubers in small pots filled with soil. Plant the anemones in the bed with the pot to make digging them up in the fall easier.
