Anemones, often called windflowers, are perennials that offer diverse forms and colors, blooming from early spring through fall depending on the variety. Companion planting involves strategically pairing different plant species to create a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing garden environment. This practice enhances the overall garden ecosystem, benefiting the growth and beauty of all plants involved.
Why Companion Plant with Anemones
Companion planting with anemones offers several advantages for their thriving and the garden’s overall vitality. Pairing anemones with other plants extends visual interest, providing a succession of blooms and foliage. For example, late-blooming Japanese anemones combine well with early-season plants, filling seasonal gaps. Some anemone varieties, like Japanese anemones, attract late-flying pollinators such as bumblebees, supporting local ecosystems.
Anemone roots, particularly ‘Harmony Scarlet’, improve soil structure by facilitating air and water movement. This process enhances soil aeration and promotes beneficial microorganisms, contributing to healthier soil for all nearby plants. Strategic planting also suppresses weeds by reducing open soil space. While Japanese anemones resist deer and rabbits, choosing similar companions further protects the planting.
Key Considerations for Anemone Companion Plants
Choosing companion plants for anemones requires considering environmental and growth factors. Light requirements vary; some anemones, like Anemone coronaria, prefer full sun, while others, such as Japanese anemones, thrive in partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Most need at least four hours of direct sunlight daily. Anemones generally need well-drained soil rich in organic matter. While not overly particular about pH, they tend to perform best in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Consistent moisture is necessary for anemones, so select companions with similar watering needs to simplify maintenance and prevent issues like root rot from overwatering or stress from drought. Consider mature size and growth habit to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to poor airflow and disease. Some anemone species, like Anemone blanda and Japanese anemones, spread by self-seeding or rhizomes, so choose companions that won’t be outcompeted. Coordinate bloom times for continuous garden interest, either by overlapping or sequencing blooms.
Top Companion Plant Choices for Anemones
Many plants make excellent companions for anemones, offering complementary aesthetics and shared growing needs. For early spring interest with Anemone blanda or Anemone coronaria, spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, and grape hyacinths are suitable. These early bloomers provide color before anemone leaves fully emerge, effectively extending the garden’s visual appeal. Other spring perennials such as bleeding heart (Dicentra) and primroses also pair well, with bleeding heart receding as anemones come into full bloom.
For partial shade, hostas and ferns provide contrasting foliage textures. Hostas offer broad leaves, while ferns contribute lush greenery. Shade-loving ornamental grasses like Hakone Grass (Hakonechloa macra) also complement anemones.
For late summer and fall-blooming Japanese anemones, vibrant perennials create striking combinations. Asters, especially blue varieties, and pink sedums offer complementary colors and late-season interest. Other suitable companions include monkshood (Aconitum), toad lilies (Tricyrtis), coneflowers (Echinacea), Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium), and Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum). Hardy geraniums, such as ‘Rozanne’, also create rich displays.
Planting and Maintaining Your Anemone Companions
Successful planting of anemones and their companions starts with proper soil preparation. Anemones thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, so amend the planting area with compost or leaf mold. Some gardeners add bone meal when backfilling holes, which can provide a mild boost for flowering and negate the need for additional fertilizer at planting.
When planting, ensure adequate spacing, typically 12 to 24 inches apart, to allow for natural spread and prevent overcrowding. Anemone corms, which may appear dry, should be soaked for several hours before planting to encourage growth. After planting, water thoroughly, then maintain consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil, particularly during dry spells.
A layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. While heavy fertilization is not usually needed, a balanced fertilizer in early spring promotes vigorous growth and blooming. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering by redirecting the plant’s energy from seed production to new flowers. Dividing mature anemone clumps every three to four years, in early spring or fall, maintains vigor and prevents overcrowding, ensuring the long-term health of the entire planting.