Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa): How to Plant, Grow and Enjoy this Native Woodland Wildflower

Few native wildflowers capture the magic of spring quite like wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa). Appearing as carpets of star-like white flowers beneath trees and hedgerows, wood anemone is one of Britain’s most beloved woodland plants.

Wood anemone is a native perennial wildflower commonly found in ancient woodlands across the UK and Europe. It flowers in early spring (March – May) before trees come into leaf, taking advantage of the sunlight that reaches the woodland floor.

• Botanical name: Anemone nemorosa
• Common names: Wood anemone, windflower, haymaid
• Height: 10-20cm
• Flower colour: White (sometimes tinged pink or purple)
• Pollinators: Early bees and insects

Once established, wood anemone spreads slowly to form naturalistic drifts, making it ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, wild areas, and natural planting schemes.

Did You Know…

• Wood anemone is an indicator of ancient woodland – it spreads very slowly (around 6cm per year), so large colonies often indicate woodland that has existed for centuries.
• The name anemone comes from the Greek word for wind, as the flowers sway on delicate stems.
• Wood anemone are one of the earliest sources of nectar for spring pollinators.
• A plant of patience – it may take several years to establish, but once settled it can live for decades.

Wood anemone rhizomes

Unlike traditional bulbs, wood anemone grows from thin, knobbly rhizomes that are brown, wiry and irregular in shape, often compared to small twigs or pieces of root. When dormant they can look rather unimpressive, but these modest-looking rhizomes are full of life. Because they dry out easily, timing and planting method are important for success.

Wood Anemone “In The Green” vs Dormant Rhizomes

Planting Wood Anemone In the Green (Spring)

Wood anemone “in the green” plants are lifted and sold while they are actively growing, usually in early spring shortly after flowering. This is the most reliable way to establish wood anemone, as the plants are already in growth and settle quickly into their new position. Planting in the green offers the highest success rate, is easier than planting dormant rhizomes, and provides immediate visual confirmation that the plant is healthy and growing – encouraging for gardeners and especially useful in garden settings rather than wild woodland areas.

How to plant:

• Plant as soon as possible after delivery
• Dig a shallow hole around 7cm deep
• Place the roots horizontally, gently spreading them out around 10-15cm apart
• Backfill with soil, firm lightly, and water well

Planting Dormant Wood Anemone Rhizomes (Autumn)

Dormant rhizomes are planted in autumn, when the plant is naturally at rest.

How to plant:

• Soak rhizomes in water for 2-3 hours before planting
• Plant 5cm deep, laid horizontally and around 10-15cm apart
• Water well and allow winter moisture to do the rest

Tip: Mark the planting area – before the leaves appear, it’s easy to forget exactly where the rhizomes were planted, which can lead to the area being accidentally dug over, trodden on, or planted with something else. Marking the area helps protect the rhizomes while they are dormant, and ensures they are left undisturbed until the new growth appears.

Where to Plant Wood Anemone

Wood anemone thrives in woodland, or where conditions mimic its natural woodland habitat. It thrives in partial shade to dappled shade, in soil that remains moist but is free draining and rich in organic matter such as leaf mould. Ideal planting locations include beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, woodland gardens and coppices, shaded borders, wildflower areas, and even naturalised lawns that are left unmown in spring. Dry exposed sites and areas prone to heavy waterlogging should be avoided, as these conditions can prevent the rhizomes from establishing successfully.

Wood Anemone Aftercare and Long-Term Growth

After flowering, allow the foliage of wood anemone to die back naturally, as this helps the plant store energy for the following year. Once established, plants should be left undisturbed, as wood anemone dislikes being moved and spreads slowly over time. Avoid digging or hoeing in the surrounding area to prevent damage to the shallow rhizomes and apply an annual mulch of leaf mould or garden compost to replicate natural woodland conditions. Once settled, wood anemone is a low-maintenance, long-lived plant that rewards patience with beautiful spring displays year after year.

Choose Native Wood Anemone

Choosing native wood anemone for your garden is a wonderful way to support biodiversity and early pollinators while creating a natural, timeless woodland feel. It is perfectly suited to naturalistic planting and rewilding projects, bringing authentic British spring beauty to gardens, parks and shaded spaces. Whether you choose wood anemone in the green for spring planting, or opt for dormant wood anemone rhizomes for autumn planting, planting wood anemone is an investment in the long-term health, beauty and ecological value of your garden – and the wider ecosystem.

Explore our full range of native wildflower bulbs in the green for spring planting, and native wildflower bulbs for autumn planting.

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