Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Anemone apennina 'Plena'
Plena Wood Anemone
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Height
- 6 to 10 in
- Width
- 8 to 12 in
- Flower color
- Soft blue to cornflower-blue double blooms with layered petals
- Foliage color
- Medium green, finely divided leaves forming a low, attractive mound
- Bloom time
- Early spring
- Light
- Partial shade to light shade
- Water
- Moderate moisture
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flowers to tidy appearance
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees and other early-season pollinators
About this plant
Anemone apennina 'Plena' produces fully double, pompon-like flowers in soft sky-blue tones, carried on slender stems above finely divided green foliage. Blooming in early to mid spring, the layered petals create rounded blossoms that open as woodland gardens awaken. The foliage emerges early, forming delicate mats that support the blooms before gradually fading as temperatures warm.
Native to southern Europe, this cultivated form has been grown in gardens for generations. It works well in woodland borders, beneath deciduous trees, and in naturalized drifts where it spreads gently over time. 'Plena' also suits rock gardens and spring bulb plantings, adding texture and color during the earliest part of the growing season.
Works well in
Pollinator Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Borders · Rock Gardens
Companion plants
Hostas · Ferns · Brunneras · Hellebores · Epimedium · Heucheras
Design tip
Plant in generous drifts beneath deciduous trees where its delicate spring flowers create a natural woodland display before the canopy fully leafs out.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Heronswood Garden.
