How to Grow Grecian Windflowers (Anemone Blanda) 🌱

So, you want to grow some Grecian windflowers.

These are gorgeous plants that stem from the Balkan anemone and are beginner-friendly.

You can have a entire garden of these colors by early spring. They’re often the first to bloom in any yard.

And they’re extremely easy to take care of. What more could you want from a flower that gives it all for little to nothing from you?

Let’s dive in.

Quick care guide: Grecian windflower

Plant type	Perennial
Origin	Europe
Scientific name	Anemonoides blanda
Other names	Winter windflower, Anemone blanda, Balkan anemone, Grecian windflower, windflower
Soil type	Well draining, nutrient rich
Soil pH	4.6-8.5
Sunlight requirement	Full sun, partial sun
Bloom season	Spring
Colors	White, pink, purple, mauve, blue
Max height	6-24 inches
Max width	2 inches
Temperature	55F+
Humidity	Low
Watering requirements	Well-watered
Fertilizer requirements	Moderate during spring
Days until germination	2-6 weeks
Days until bloom	4-5 weeks
Speed of growth	Fast
Hardiness zones	3-10
Plant depth	2″
Plant spacing	3″
Propagation	Bulb (corm), seed, root division
Common pests	Eelworms
Common diseases	Rhizome rot, leaf spot, botrytis blight
Beginner friendly	Yes
Care level	Low
Uses	Decoration, pathing.

What’s a Grecian windflower?

Windflowers are a unique plant that comes in a variety of gorgeous, dashing flowers for you to enjoy.

They complement your garden with splashes of purple, pink white, and blue.

Each flower is about 6” in length, which isn’t much, but when you add the huge volume of them all blooming simultaneously, you have a view for the senses.

When do they bloom?

These are perennial spring bulbs that are excellent for beginners due to their easy care.

Blanda only lasts for a few weeks after it blooms in the spring. They’ll wither by the summertime for most species so they don’t need too much of your time.

But they’re often the first flowers to bloom following the cold winter. So they’re good for some extra color in your yard.

They come from the genus known as Ranunculaceae, which is also called the buttercup family.

Also called Anemone Blanda, Balkan anemones, or winter windflowers, these decorative ornamentals are a soft ground cover plant that can offer your yard plenty of colors.

They flourish in early spring and late winter, so they’re one of the few flowering plants that offer color in the harshest months, unlike most plants.

If you’re looking for foliage and color that lasts late into winter and comes back early spring, similar to amaryllis, Grecian windflowers are a perfect choice for even the most beginner gardener.

When you plant them in huge quantities, they bring the field of flowers to your yard.

They can be planted in containers, planters, pots, and even windowsills to instantly add some decor to your home.

Are windflowers toxic?

Yes, windflowers (Grecian) are toxic when eaten. So always use protective gear like gloves when handling them.

And never allow pets or kids to eat them. Wash hands after handling even with gloves.

Grecian windflower colors

Grecian windflowers can be planted in a variety of colors to match your garden. This makes them versatile for any yard.

The common strains are blue, pink, pale, lavender, bicolor, mauve, magenta, purple, and white.

You can see all the colors here.

Are they hard to grow?

Windflowers are extremely easy to grow and propagate.

Follow some basic suggestions and provide them plenty of TLC and you’ll have a blanket of pretty foliage in a few seasons.

They’re low maintenance, easy to prune, and very easy to propagate. If you’re not experienced, have no fear. These little plants are hardy and tolerant of beginner mistakes.

Are they perennials?

Yes, windflowers are perennials and come back yearly when cared for. They’re a herbaceous plant that comes from corms planted in the autumn.

Just like their name implies, they come to form the Balkans, Greece, turkey, and other middle eastern countries.

Where do windflowers grow?

These flowers are native to high altitudes and are common in Europe.

However they can be grown in the US in hardiness zones 3-10. They enjoy partial sun to full sun and need rich, organic soil that’s loaded with nutrients.

Use compost and plant food often to help them grow. Starting from a bulb is the easiest way to get started.

A garden full of Grecian windflowers is easy to accomplish- it just takes time.

This plant is a winter hardy and drought hardy specimen that offers bright colors in spring. The foliage is fine and fern-like and the daisies are perfect for pathing around the yard.

They are easy to naturalize and come back yearly. Grecian windflower can be used around shrubs.

They complement other plants easily because of their versatile colors. They should be planted in quantities of 30 or more for best results.

You can use them on garden beds, rock gardens, or woody paths. They also do well in containers, pots, and plant beds.

Are windflowers invasive?

Because of their quick coverage over your yard, they can be considered to be invasive.

However, keep them pruned and you’ll be fine.

They do have a specific season they start to grow and you can cull it if you wish.

But if you want a plant that you can use as a pathing plant or pair with taller foliage, windflowers are a good choice because of their coverage.

How do you prepare the soil for a windflower?

Windflowers like loamy, well-draining soil that’s loose in consistency.

Use nutrient-dense soil if possible, and add some perlite or sand to improve drainage.

Add plant food while you’re at it. Use a plant bed that’s raised for best results.

Can you leave windflower in pots during the cold winter?

No, don’t leave them pots because this can harm the plant. Move the containers to a warmer location that’s protected from the cold.

There’s no need to uproot or repot the plant. Easy.

How to plant Grecian windflowers

Here are some different ways to grow these windflowers.

Choose whatever is most applicate to your situation.

Planting the corms (from the bulb)

This is extremely easy and results in good germination rates. Planting the corms is the most popular method to date.

Start by soaking the corms in a bowl overnight or for 24 hours if possible. The moisture helps with germination and getting the seeds to sprout.

After soaking, take the seeds outside and drain the water. Find the area you wish to plant. It should have a full sun with loose soil that’s rich in nutrients.

Use a shovel and carefully dig up the plot so you can loosen the soil.

Add any supplements you wish. Windflower appreciates some bone meal or plant food for bulbs. Add some compost or leaves for additional nutrients.

At the bottom of the plot, add pea or gravel to help with water drainage. You can also use a raised or elevated plant bed to help with water drainage.

Use the shovel and dig holes for each corm. The plant depth for windflowers is 4” and space them about 3”. Drop the corms in and backfill with soil. Water. You’re done.

Wasn’t that easy? Expect to see blooms in the spring and early summer. If you’re in a colder hardiness zone, consider adding a few layers of plant mulch over the soil so you don’t have to do it later.

The mulch will help protect the root system and also insulate it. A 3” layer of mulch is enough for the cold season.

Start by sowing in the autumn, right after the summertime is over. Use some well-draining, loose soil, and add some pea or gravel to keep the water flowing.

Waterlogged soil brings a whole host of problems like root rot and powdery mildew.

Keep the soil wet and don’t let it go dry between watering until dormancy. They’re also tolerant against deer, rabbits, and other smalls animals!

Plant in full sun for best results.

You don’t do anything else once you set them in. They take care of themselves and will appreciate regular plant food and watering.

Expect drought tolerance and easy care. They also will nicely fill out flat areas.

After the summer arrives the foliage will fade and fall off. You can prune it if you want, but it’s unnecessary.

When winter comes around, you can add mulch to protect the bulbs. Grecian windflower self sows itself.

How do you plant from seed?

Windflowers develop bulbs and propagate from offsets under the soil, similar to planting amaryllis bulbs.

They also have seed pods that naturally sow themselves through the elements or wildlife similar to the majority of seeding plants.

Planting from seed should be reserved for experienced gardeners because it takes a lot of time and germination rates are generally low.

This is why I suggest using a bulb offshoot to propagate Grecian windflowers rather than starting from seed.

However, if you have a packet of seeds or you happen to already have windflowers sprouting seeds in your yard, you can give it a try.

Harvest the seeds when they turn ripe (large and no longer growing) and sow them in a few inches of mulch.

They need to be exposed to the cold to properly germinate, as this plant relies on dormancy to let it know when it’s time to propagate.

Some people will use the fridge to simulate colder temperatures where it’s not possible to get the chill hours needed. If you’re in a higher hardiness zone, this is always an option you can try.

After the cold climate is over, plant next spring. Note that this won’t guarantee germination that’s successful.

And even if it does work, you won’t get flowers until two years later.

So unless you’re willing to put in the effort to reap what you sow, you should focus on bulb or root division to propagate windflowers. They’re easier and produce noticeable results quickly.

Can you scatter the seeds?

This may work, but not efficiently.

You should follow the typical process of planting them in the dirt after a chill time exposure.

This will ensure the best germination rate as this plant does have some process to get the seeds going.

Planting by root division

Root division is just fancy gardener talk for literally separating the plant by the roots.

Grecian windflower goes dormant in the summer and this is the perfect opportunity to divide the root.

Get a clean garden spade or small shovel and dig around the plant. Dig about 8” from the stem and you’ll see a giant mess of roots.

Clean the dirt and debris off using a brush or garden hose.

The hose on a low flow can help wet the soil and make it loose so it comes off easier.

Untangle the roots and spend as much time as you need to because you don’t want to damage any of them. Start separating the plant into small divisions.

Each one should have its rhizome and crown intact. This will allow the flower to divide. Plant each one in its plot. Congrats.

You now have multiple plants to enjoy!

Further reading

Here are some additional references you may find helpful:

• Anemonoides blanda – Wikipedia
• Grecian Windflower : flowers – Reddit
• Anemone blanda | Botany Photo of the Day

Did you learn how to plant Grecian windflowers?

You should now have everything you need to start. Get your corms ready and plant away!

Grecian windflowers are gorgeous and add color to any garden without being needy and don’t ask for much.

So if you’re ready to be rewarded with those early winter blooms, go ahead and get started!

What do you think? Will you be growing these flowers soon? What’s your favorite thing about them?