The Anemone flower, often called the Windflower, is a popular garden addition known for its delicate, poppy-like blooms. Gardeners frequently refer to the planting structure of these flowers as a “bulb,” which simplifies the actual botanical classification. Understanding the true nature of this dormant structure is the first step in successful cultivation, as it differs significantly from the typical layered, onion-shaped bulb.
Correcting the Terminology: Corms, Tubers, and Rhizomes
Most garden Anemone varieties, such as Anemone coronaria (Poppy Anemone) and Anemone blanda (Grecian Windflower), grow from structures classified as corms or tubers, not true bulbs. A true bulb, like a tulip, is a modified stem with fleshy, layered scales that store food reserves.
In contrast, an Anemone corm is a swollen, solid base of the stem that stores energy uniformly throughout its tissue. This structural difference means the planting stock has a fundamentally different physical appearance and texture compared to a standard bulb. The term “tuber” is sometimes used interchangeably, referring generally to the solid, irregularly shaped storage organ of this plant.
The Dormant Appearance of Anemone Planting Stock
Before planting, the dormant Anemone corm has a distinct appearance that often surprises first-time growers accustomed to smooth, layered bulbs. The exterior is typically a dark, muted color, ranging from deep brown to grayish-black.
The texture is notably rough, dry, and extremely hard, similar to a small, dense piece of wood or an irregular pebble. The surface is often heavily wrinkled and shriveled, having lost moisture during the drying and dormancy period. This shriveled state is a normal sign of viability and not an indication of decay.
Unlike the symmetrical, round form of a tulip or daffodil bulb, Anemone corms are highly irregular in shape. They are lumpy and asymmetrical, often resembling a misshapen kidney bean or a cluster of fused nodes.
The size of the dormant corm varies based on the species and grade, but they are generally small. Most commercially available corms are roughly the diameter of a penny up to the size of a small marble, rarely exceeding one inch across. Their dense, compact nature allows them to store significant energy despite their small volume.
This dry, seemingly lifeless appearance signifies a state of deep rest. It ensures concentrated energy reserves are preserved until conditions become favorable for growth in the spring.
Identifying the Planting Orientation
The irregular shape of the Anemone corm makes identifying the correct planting direction a common source of confusion. Ideally, the corm should be planted with the residual root mass facing downward into the soil. This area is often slightly flatter and may show remnants of fine, fibrous root hairs from the previous growing season.
The top, or growth point, is the area where the new shoot will emerge, and it should face upward toward the light. On larger, more defined corms, this point may appear as a slightly raised, concave, or pointed bud area. This subtle difference indicates where the stem will begin to elongate once the corm is hydrated.
If the corm is small, lumpy, or if the dormant growth points are indistinguishable, planting it sideways is an acceptable solution. The corm possesses a natural ability to sense gravity, and the emerging shoot will orient itself toward the surface regardless of the initial sideways placement. This flexibility reduces the stress of trying to perfectly align a structure that lacks clear anatomical markers.
Visual Changes During Pre-Planting Preparation
Before planting, many gardeners soak the hard, dry Anemone corms to rehydrate them, which initiates a visual transformation. As the corm absorbs water, its density increases, and the shriveled texture begins to smooth out. This rapid plumping is the first sign that the dormant structure is viable and awakening.
The overall size of the corm will swell considerably, sometimes increasing by 30 to 50 percent of its original volume. Simultaneously, the dark exterior color will often lighten or become a richer, deeper shade of brown or mahogany, indicating successful hydration. This preparation jump-starts the growth process and confirms the corm is ready to sprout and has broken its dormancy cycle.