Wild Swan Windflower

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

20 Inches

Mature Spread

16 Inches

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Meaning ‘daughter of the wind’ in the Greek language, the anemone is a beautiful perennial of medium height with single petaled flowers held above distinctive, lobed foliage. Named for its propensity to have the petals blown off in the wind, windflowers as they are commonly called, are members of the buttercup family. Wild Swan Windflower is a beautiful white single petaled flower with a reverse color of lilac blue on the back side. Instead of the typical dark poppy-like center, Wild Swan has a cheerful yellow pop of color in the center. The five petals cup slightly inward, giving them a whimsical appearance and revealing the unique lilac coloration on the back.

Anemones are native to every temperate or subtropical continent around the world with the exception of Antarctica and Australia. They can be found in open fields, in rocky soils, wherever soil is well draining. Nicknamed Grecian Windflowers, the flowers sway in the wind, creating movement as well as beauty in your garden. Bees and butterflies will be attracted to these lovely flowers, so plant them in abundance to lend a hand to the pollinators. Growing in Zones 5 to 8, anemones do best in full sun in cooler climates and appreciate light shade in the afternoon in the hotter sun climates.

Wild Swan Windflower Care

Since their native habitat tends to be rocky, sparse soils in meadowlands and prairies, anemones will do best in well draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, although they tolerate a wide range of conditions. Plant in soil that is rich with well composted organic material and fertilizing beyond that will not be necessary. Keep soil slightly moist, mulching if need be to help soil retain some moisture. Water during dry periods. This is a spring and summer bloomer, so plant it in the fall for early spring color and best results.

Deadheading is not required and pruning is generally not needed as the plant will die back to the ground when it is done for the season. Plant these medium height plants in groups for the best display. Divide anemones every three years to keep them from getting overcrowded.

Wild Swan Windflower Spacing

Growing to about 20 inches tall and 16 inches wide, anemones should be given about 16 inches of space in between plants. They are not typically bothered by insects, or diseases and rabbit and deer rarely browse on them. This perennial is in the buttercup family and all parts of the plant are mildly toxic to humans and generally a greater concern for pets. Keep pets away from these plants as ingestion can cause vomiting and convulsions. Plant these lovely perennials this spring and enjoy their light airy color year after year in your landscape, informal garden or patio containers.