Anemone apennina var. albiflora

Anemone apennina var. albiflora (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Spring

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 20cm

Eventual Spread: 30cm

Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Ranunculaceae

Anemone apennina var. albiflora is a low growing deciduous herbaceous perennial with a mat forming habit. Its mid green leaves are divided into three toothed and lobed segments and die down during the summer months. Its white flowers are solitary, have narrowly oblong petals, usually appear before its leaves, and are up to 35mm across. Its roots are rhizomes which aids its spread.

Anemone apennina, commonly known as the Blue Anemone or Apennine Anemone, is native to south central Europe. In its native habitat it grows in deciduous woodlands and scrub. This species has been recorded in the UK since 1724 and is now naturalised.

The etymological root of the binomial name Anemone may be a derivation of the Hebrew word for Adonis. Apennina is derived from its native region, the Apennnine Mountains.  Albiflora is derived from the Latin albo ‘make white’ and flora ‘the goddess of flowers’.

Anemone apennina var. albiflora Flower (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Anemone apennina var. albiflora useful as an under planting perennial for open deciduous shrubs and trees.

Ecologically, Anemone apennina var. albiflora flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

The Royal Horticultural Society has given the species  Anemone apennina their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Anemone apennina var. albiflora prefers moist, humus rich, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.

Anemone apennina var. albiflora requires little maintenance.