Anemone Darkest Blue Windflower Bulbs

Anemone Darkest Blue is a stunning windflower variety that brings a unique blue hue to your garden. These beautiful, compact plants feature finely cut foliage and produce an abundance of large, poppy-like blooms with rich, dark blue petals and a striking central boss of black stamens. When planted in the fall before the first frost, these bulbs burst into life early the next summer, rising on long, slender stems that reach between 12 and 18 inches tall. The bold, blue blooms are an unusual color in the garden and also make incredibly charming and long-lasting cut flowers for early-summer bouquets, adding a touch of elegance and depth to your floral arrangements. Left in the garden, the flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making them a lively addition to outdoor living spaces.

This variety, Anemone coronaria 'Mr. Fokker', commonly known as windflower, is a small tuberous perennial with a low-growing, mounding habit. Windflowers are versatile and work wonderfully as ground cover in woodland and rock gardens, where their bright blooms can contrast beautifully against the natural landscape. They are also perfect for planting in pretty patio pots, where their vibrant color can be appreciated up close. For a more dramatic effect, cluster them in flower beds and borders, plant them in drifts around trees and shrubs, or layer them in a lasagna planting with grape hyacinths and alliums, either in the garden or in containers. If you prefer to bring their beauty indoors, the bulbs can also be forced for early spring displays that brighten up your home.

A native to the Mediterranean, Anemone Darkest Blue thrives in sun-soaked spots but may benefit from some afternoon shade in particularly hot climates. While they are not overly picky about soil, these anemones perform best in medium moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. It's essential to ensure that the soil drains freely, as waterlogged conditions can cause the bulbs to rot. To help the bulbs get off to a strong start, soak them in lukewarm water overnight before planting. Plant the bulbs 3 to 6 inches apart and 2 to 3 inches deep for optimal growth. For a sweeping display of blue blooms, plant about 16 bulbs per square foot. Windflowers are also deer-resistant, making them a low-maintenance and resilient addition to your garden.

Anemone Darkest Blue is an excellent companion for late-blooming daffodils and tulips, offering a seamless transition of color as spring turns to summer. Enjoy them in the garden or harvest beautiful blooms for your home, with this windflower that provides a striking and reliable option for any gardener.