Anemone apennina aka Blue Anemone

Taxonomy

Anemonoides apennina, also known as Anemone apennina, is a rhizomatous perennial plant in the family Ranunculaceae. Native to southern central Europe and named after the Apennine Mountains, it has become widely naturalized in various parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom. This plant, commonly referred to as the Apennine anemone or blue anemone, grows up to 20 cm tall and features palmate leaves with dark green 3-lobed, toothed leaflets. It can be distinguished from similar species like Anemonoides nemorosa by its hairy underside. In early spring, it produces solitary blue flowers that are about 3.5 cm wide, consisting of 10-15 narrow petals. These flowers rise above ferny foliage, which dies down in the summer. Anemonoides apennina is highly valued for its ability to thrive in deciduous woodlands, but it can also be found in open scrub, under park trees, and near former habitation. It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. However, it should be noted that consuming this plant may cause mild stomach upset, and contact with the skin may result in irritation.

Common names

Blue Anemone, Blaues Windrschen

How to care for Blue Anemone

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Blue Anemone is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Blue Anemone should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Blue Anemone loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Blue Anemone requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Blaues Windrschen is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Blue Anemone to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Blue Anemone grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia