Anemones, also known as wood anemones or simply anemones, come in two different types. Bulbous anemones bloom in spring, while perennials bloom in fall. They are therefore also called autumn anemones. Both types differ in care and winter hardiness.

How to distinguish between tubers and perennials

Anemone Tubers:

  • spring bloom
  • Up to 20 centimeters in height
  • Black bulbs at the roots
  • Propagation by separating tubers
  • Tubers rarely hardy

Anemone perennials:

  • autumn blossom
  • Bushy shape
  • Grow up to 1.5 meters high
  • Taproots without tubers
  • Propagation by root division
  • Almost all varieties hardy

recognize perennials

The easiest way to tell whether you have a tuber or a perennial anemone is by the flowering time. Tuberous anemones belong to the spring bloomers. They remain quite small and form only slightly bushy plants.

When an anemone really gets going in autumn, it is a perennial anemone. It can grow up to 150 centimeters high and branches out into a bushy shrub with many flowers.

Tuberous anemones have a small root system with black, irregularly shaped tubers. They don't look like flower bulbs, but they are comparable to them. Perennial anemones form taproots that you can divide for propagation.

Buy anemones as bulbs or perennials

You can buy bulbous anemones in packs containing several bulbs.

Perennials are usually sold in pots. Orders from garden retailers are delivered in the form of root cuttings.

Different care needs

Tuberous and perennial anemones differ significantly in care.

Winter-hardy tubers can be planted in the ground as early as autumn. Be sure to use hardy anemone varieties. You have to dig up non-hardy anemones in autumn and store them in a dry place.

Perennials and tubers that are not hardy should be planted in spring so that the autumn anemone has enough time to grow and develop its taproots. After flowering in the fall, cut down the anemone and cover it with a mulch.

tips and tricks

All anemones are slightly poisonous. The toxin protoanemonin contained in the plants damages the skin and nervous system of humans and animals when ingested. When dried, the toxins break down.

Category:

Vegetable garden