Overview
Anemone sylvestris is a suckering herbaceous perennial in the genus Anemone, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Anemone sylvestris grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, rock garden, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Anemone sylvestris, commonly known as snowdrop windflower or snowdrop anemony, is a herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant has a suckering habit and thrives in full sun or partial shade, tolerating a range of soil types including clay and loam with acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. It prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained soils and can be grown in exposed or sheltered locations, offering interest in spring and summer.
About the genus
Anemone is a genus of flowering plants in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Plants of the genus are commonly called windflowers. They are native to the temperate and subtropical regions of all regions except Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica.
Wikipedia contributors, "Anemone", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Anemone
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Anemone
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Anemone sylvestris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Rock garden, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Native to
- Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Anemone sylvestris
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates full sun to partial shade; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor
- Pruning
- Cut back foliage after flowering to tidy appearance and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division of rhizomes
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Caterpillars, Leaf eelworms
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Leaf spot, Rust
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Anemone sylvestris?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates full sun to partial shade; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.
Where is the best place to plant Anemone sylvestris?
Anemone sylvestris prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Anemone sylvestris need?
Anemone sylvestris grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Anemone sylvestris?
Cut back foliage after flowering to tidy appearance and encourage fresh growth.
How big does Anemone sylvestris grow?
Anemone sylvestris reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Anemone sylvestris hardy in the UK?
Anemone sylvestris has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Anemone sylvestris?
Seed, Division of rhizomes.