Wood Anemone Rhizomes (Anemone nemorosa)

The Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) is one of the defining flowers of British woodland in spring. In April and May, before the tree canopy closes over, it carpets the ground with starry white flowers — often flushed pink or purple on the backs of the petals — held on reddish stems above deeply cut, ferny leaves. It grows 15–20cm tall and the flowers turn to follow the sun, closing and nodding in dull or wet weather.

It is a UK native species and a classic indicator of long-established woodland, spreading slowly by creeping rhizomes rather than seed, so a patch builds gradually and stays where it is put. In the garden it suits any shaded or semi-shaded spot that is bright in spring and shaded in summer: under deciduous trees and shrubs, along hedge bottoms, in woodland-edge borders, and in shaded lawns that can be left uncut until early summer. By midsummer it dies back completely, leaving the ground clear.

Plant in autumn, September to November, laying the thin, twig-like rhizomes horizontally about 5cm deep and 5–10cm apart in moist, humus-rich soil with plenty of leaf mould or compost. They dry out easily, so plant promptly on arrival, and do not be discouraged by sparse growth in the first spring — the display strengthens from the second year. Once established it needs no maintenance; simply leave the foliage to die back on its own.

Supplied as rhizomes for autumn planting. UK native woodland species, suited to shaded gardens and woodland-floor planting.