Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Anemone blanda 'Violet Star'
Violet Star Grecian Windflower
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Height
- 4 to 8 in
- Width
- 6 to 10 in
- Flower color
- Violet-purple with white center “star” flares on each petal
- Foliage color
- Medium green, deeply divided fern-like leaves that form a low carpet
- Bloom time
- Early to mid spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial 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 blanda 'Violet Star' produces daisy-like flowers in rich violet-blue shades, each bloom highlighted by a bright white central eye. The blossoms appear in early to mid spring, opening wide on slender stems above finely divided, fernlike green foliage. As temperatures rise, the foliage gradually fades, allowing the plant to complete its seasonal cycle naturally.
Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, this cultivar has long been valued for early garden color. It performs well in woodland borders, beneath deciduous trees, and in naturalized drifts where colonies develop over time. 'Violet Star' also suits rock gardens and spring bulb plantings, bringing vivid color and soft texture to early-season displays.
Works well in
Pollinator Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Borders · Rock Gardens
Companion plants
Hellebores · Epimediums · Brunneras · Hostas · Ferns · Pulmonarias
Design tip
Plant in broad drifts beneath deciduous trees where its vibrant blooms create an eye-catching display before the canopy leafs out. Allow later-emerging perennials to fill the space naturally, ensuring continuous color and texture throughout the growing season.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
