Two attractive, perennial garden plants that are good additions to a flower border include Windflower, Anemone sp., and Pasque Flower, Pulsatilla vulgaris. Originally included in the same genus, Anemone, they have now been separated into different groups.
Grecian Windflower, Anemone blanda, is one of the earliest flowers to bloom in spring. The 6-8" plants are grown from a tuber that is best planted in mid to late October. Place the tubers in an area with well-drained soil high in organic matter, protected from the hot afternoon sun. The plants prefer partial sun with moist soil and will not grow well if allowed to dry out. Plant the tubers about three inches deep.
The original species of Grecian windflower has dark blue flowers but there are cultivars available with flowers in sky blue, white, pink or rose. The flowers last about two weeks and are followed by hairy seed heads. If the seed heads are not removed, the plants will reseed themselves and the seedlings will bloom during their second spring. If well located, the plants will naturalize and because of their small statue are well suited for small nooks and crannies in the garden. Grecian windflower is hardy to Zone 4. Cultivars to consider include:
'Charmer'- Deep rose flowers
'Blue Star'- Dark blue flowers
'Bridesmaid' or 'White Splendor'- Pure white flowers
'Pink Star'- Large pink flowers
'Radar'- Large mauve flowers with a white center.
Fall blooming anemones are also available.
Pasque flower is another wonderful spring flower with deeply cut, silky-hairy, fern-like leaves. The foliage is very ornamental as it emerges from the soil or through the snow in early spring. The flowers are cup-shaped, with large, feathery yellow centers. Flower colors include yellow, white, dark violet, pale blue and red-violet. The flowers are followed by a feathery, ornamental seed head. The plant height ranges from 9-12". The plants required the full sun and excellent drainage, and will die back, becoming dormant by mid to late summer. Interesting species and cultivars include:
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba'- with beautiful, creamy white flowers;
