24+ Different Types of Windflowers to Admire This Spring

Last Updated on February 5, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

The windflower is a beautiful flower that can be found in many different colors. There are 24 types of windflowers, and each one is unique in its own way.

In this blog post, we will explore the different types of windflowers and learn about their characteristics. We will also provide pictures so you can admire these lovely flowers up close!

Related: Types Of Flowers | Types of Sunflowers | Types of Daisies

What is a windflower?

A windflower, also known as Anemone, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows from rhizomes. It has dark green leaves with lobes on either side of the stem and produces flowers in spring or summer depending where you live.

The windflower is native to North America but can now be found anywhere in temperate regions all over the world.

Windflower Overview

Windflowers deserve a place of prominence in the spring garden. They’re among the first to flower after winter and bring welcome splashes of color to gardens that are still waking up from their cold-weather slumber.

The windflower family includes more than 100 species, many in shades of blue, white or pink with some having dark centers, making them look like a wind-blown blossom.

Some windflowers have delicate fernlike foliage while others have complex floral patterns or multicolored petals.

Windflower plants are perennials that return year after year in USDA zones three through nine and grow well in full sun to part shade and average soil. Most windflower cultivars are deer and rabbit resistant.

What does a windflower look like?

The windflower has long, thin stems that grow up to three feet tall. They have dark green leaves with lobes on either side of the stem; a single flower head made up of many tiny petals in different colors such as white or blue sits at the top like an umbrella overhanging its stalk below it.

What do windflowers symbolize?

Windflowers are associated with changeability and unpredictability in life due to the wind’s ability to change the direction of flowers’ petals. They can also symbolize innocence, new beginnings and purity.

Toxicity:

Windflower is not known to be toxic, but some people are allergic to windflowers. If you or someone in your family has a history of allergies, windflowers may not be the best choice for your garden.

Non-Tuberous Anemones:

– Anemone coronaria: This windflower is native to the Mediterranean and can be found in shades of pink, white or red. They have a long flowering season from February to May.

– Anemone hupehensis: This windflower is also native to the Mediterranean region and produces lovely blue flowers. It blooms from April through May.

– Anemone blanda: This windflower is native to Greece and can be found in shades of blue, white or pink. They bloom from March through June.

Tuberous Anemones:

– Anemone nemorosa: This windflower has leaves that are lobed at the base and produces white flowers. It blooms from March to May.

– Anemone ranunculoides: This windflower has deeply lobed leaves and produces yellow, orange or red flowers. It blooms from April to June.

– Anemone pulsatilla: This windflower is native to Europe and North Africa and can be found in shades of purple or blue. They bloom from April through May.

– Anemone sylvestris: This windflower is native to Europe and can be found in shades of white, yellow or pink with lobed leaves at the base that are deeply divided into three segments; these windflowers produce flowers from March through May.

– Anemone tomentosa: This windflower is native to Europe and Asia; it produces white flowers with dense hairs on the stem or flower heads that bloom from March through April.

Different Types Of WindFlowers

1. Poppy anemone (Anemone coronaria)

Poppy anemone is the windflower that most people think of when they hear windflowers. Poppy anemones are large, showy flowers with black centers and delicate petals in white or shades of pink, purple, red or blue.

They typically bloom from March to May in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones seven through 11.

2. Anemone Coronaria ‘Blue Poppy’

If you’re looking for a beautiful windflower to add to your garden this spring, look no further than the Anemone Coronaria ‘Blue Poppy’.

With its bright blue petals and delicate white centers, this windflower is sure to turn heads. And best of all, it’s easy to care for; just plant it in a sunny spot and give it plenty of water!

3. Anemone Trifolia ‘Bridal Veil’

This windflower is another beautiful choice for your garden. It has delicate white petals with deep purple centers that are sure to make any bride blush on her special day. And as an added bonus, this windflower is drought tolerant, so you don’t have to worry about it wilting in the summer heat.

4. Anemone ‘Pink Double’

If you’re looking for a windflower with a little more pizzazz, try the Anemone ‘Pink Double’. This windflower has two layers of pink petals that are sure to catch your eye. It’s also easy to care for, and will bloom all summer long.

5. Anemone hupehensis ‘Hadspen Abundance’

This windflower is a real show-stopper! With its huge blooms that can reach up to six inches in diameter, it’s sure to turn heads. And the best part? It blooms all season long, so you’ll never be without flowers in your garden.

6. Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’

If you’re looking for a windflower with big, bright white petals and a deep purple center, look no further than Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’. This windflower is sure to add a touch of elegance to any garden.

7. Anemone hupehensis ‘September Charm’

This windflower is a popular choice for spring gardens, boasting soft pink petals with delicate yellow stamen. Anemone hupehensis ‘September Charm’ blooms in July and August when many other windflowers are long since finished.

It gets its name from the fact that it flowers late into autumn and even early winter if the weather stays warm.

8. Anemone pulsatilla ‘Pasque Flower’

Common Name: Pasque flower

Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones:  03 to 08

Anemone pulsatilla ‘Pasque Flower’ is an early spring windflower. It has delicate, fern-like foliage and single flowers that come in a range of colors including white, pinkish purple, lavender, and blue. Pasque flower is a short-lived perennial, but it self-seeds readily so you’ll likely have plenty of new plants to admire each year.

This windflower thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It’s drought tolerant once established and makes a beautiful addition to rock gardens, borders, and meadows. Pasque flower is also deer resistant.

9. Anemone hupehensis ‘Prince Henry’

These windflowers are a harbinger of spring, flowering in March and April. The nodding flowers have deep-red centers, surrounded by white petals.

Anemone ‘Prince Henry’ is a short variety at about 15 inches tall, making it perfect for the front of borders or grown in containers on the patio.

10. Anemone Coronaria ‘Mount Everest’

The ‘Mount Everest’ anemone is a spectacular variety that can grow up to 18 inches tall. The blooms are a deep pink and appear in late spring. This windflower is sure to add beauty to any garden.

11. Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis)

The Japanese anemone is a beautiful variety that grows up to 18 inches tall. The blooms are delicate and come in shades of pink, white, and blue. They make a great addition to any garden.

The Japanese windflower is a perennial windflower that produces pink or white flowers up to six inches in diameter. This windflower blooms from late summer through fall, making it an excellent addition to your garden.

12. Anemone ‘Dreaming Swan’ (Japanese Anemone)

The Anemone ‘Dreaming Swan’ is a Japanese windflower that can be found in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones five through eight. This windflower has white petals with a light green center and blooms from late summer to early fall.

The Anemone ‘Dreaming Swan’ grows best in full sun or partial shade and can reach heights of three feet.

13. Anemone ‘Wild Swan’ (Japanese Anemone)

The Anemone ‘Wild Swan’ is a beautiful variety of windflower that can be found blooming in shades of white and pink. This delicate flower has a long flowering period, typically lasting from early spring until late autumn.

The Anemone ‘Wild Swan’ makes an excellent addition to any garden and can also be grown in containers.

14. Balkan anemone (Anemonoides blanda)

This windflower can be found in the Balkans, as well as southeastern Europe and Turkey. It has white or pale pink flowers with a yellow center.

15. Anemone Blanda ‘Blue Shades’ (Grecian Windflower)

The Anemone Blanda ‘Blue Shades’ is a beautiful windflower that blooms in shades of blue. This windflower can grow up to 12 inches tall, and it prefers partial sun or shade.

Anemone Blanda ‘Blue Shades’ has bluish-purple flowers with yellow centers.

– Blooms in late spring and early summer.

– Prefers moist, well-drained soil.

16. Anemone Blanda ‘Blue Star’ (Grecian Windflower)

This windflower is a perennial that typically blooms from April to May. The flowers are blue with white centers and grow on slender stems up to 18 inches tall. ‘Blue Star’ prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

17. Anemone nemorosa (Wood anemone/European thimbleweed)

Family: Ranunculaceae

Bloom Time: March to May

Height: Up to 16 in. tall

Foliage: Compound leaves with three leaflets that are deeply divided into five lobes and have sharply serrated edges.

Wood anemone is a windflower that produces delicate white blossoms in spring. The windflowers have five petals and look like single daisies (Bellis perennis) growing on thick, green leaves.

You’ll find the windflower along woodland edges and shady forest clearings throughout North America, Europe, Asia Minor, Japan, and China.

18. Anemonoides ranunculoides (Yellow anemone/buttercup anemone)

Family: Ranunculaceae

Bloom Time: April to May

Height: Up to 12 in. tall

Foliage: Compound leaves with three leaflets that are deeply divided into five lobes and have sharply serrated edges.

This windflower is a small, yellow wildflower that blooms in the spring. It can be found in meadows and fields. The flower has five petals and grows on a thin stalk.

19. Snowdrop anemone (Anemone sylvestris)

This windflower is one of the first to appear in spring. It’s easy to identify because of its white flowers and glossy green leaves that have a waxy appearance.

Snowdrop windflowers are hardy perennials, so they can last for several years with proper care. They grow best in partial shade with well-drained soil.

20. Tulip anemone

The tulip anemone is a beautiful windflower that has bright yellow flowers with distinct red veins. It grows best in moist, shady areas and blooms from late spring to early summer. This windflower is a perennial, so you can expect to see it year after year if you take good care of the plant.

21. Anemone tomentosa

Also known as the hairy anemone, this windflower is a perennial with white flowers that bloom from April to June. The plant has long, silky hairs on its leaves and stem, which give it its common name. Anemone tomentosa can be found in meadows, woodlands, and wetlands across North America.

22. Canada anemone (Anemonastrum canadense)

The Canada anemone is a windflower that can be found in eastern North America. This flower gets its name from the Latin word for wind, “anemone”. The Canada anemone typically grows to a height of around 12 inches and has white flowers with purple-tinged petals.

This windflower blooms in the spring, typically from April to May.

23. Anemone quinquefolia (Wood anemone)

Family: Ranunculaceae

Bloom Time: March to May

Height: 12-15 in. tall, spreading by rhizomes (underground stems) or stolons (above ground stems).  Foliage: Compound leaves with three leaflets that are deeply divided into five lobes and have sharply serrated edges.

24. Anemone palmata (palmate windflower)

Family: Ranunculaceae

Bloom Time: May to June 

Height: Up to 12 in. tall 

Foliage: Finely divided leaves with up to nine leaflets that are deeply divided into three lobes and have sharply serrated edges.

Cultivation of Windflowers

Windflowers are easy to grow in rich, moist soil in full sun to part shade. They can be propagated by division of the rhizomes in spring or early summer, or by seed.

How to Grow Windflowers from Seeds

Sow windflower seeds in early spring. The best time to plant is when the soil can be worked, but before all danger of frost has passed. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and press them into the ground with your fingers.

Water well and keep the soil moist until germination, which should occur within two to three weeks. Thin the seedlings to 12 inches apart when they are about two inches tall.

The windflower is a perennial that typically grows in Zones four through eight. It produces showy, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, or white from late spring through early summer.

Where to Plant Windflowers

Windflowers are commonly planted in rock gardens, borders, and woodland settings. They look great when mixed together with other spring-blooming bulbs such as daffodils or tulips. The windflower will also grow well along the edges of a shaded path or walkway.

When to Plant Windflowers

Windflowers should be planted in the fall. They need to be exposed to cold temperatures before they will bloom. Windflowers are best suited for planting in a sunny location with well-drained soil, but windflower plants can also grow in partially shaded areas. If you live in an area where it does not get very cold in the winter, windflowers can be planted in late fall after the first frost.

Planting in Containers

Windflowers can be planted in containers. They are best suited for planting in a sunny location with well-drained soil, but windflower plants can also grow in partially shaded areas. If you live where it does not get very cold during the winter, windflowers can be planted in late fall after the first frost has passed.

When windflower plants begin to bloom, they will need minimal care. Water them only when needed and weed out any unwanted grasses or weeds that may be growing around their stems. When windflower plants are not in bloom, windflowers can be cut back to the ground before winter (or whenever you want).

How to Care for Windflower Plants

When windflower plants begin to bloom, they will need minimal care. Water them only when needed and weed out any unwanted grasses or weeds that may be growing around their stems. When windflower plants are not in bloom, windflowers can be cut back to the ground before winter.

How to Harvest Windflower Seeds

Harvest windflower seeds from the flower heads when they turn brown. Remove the seeds from the windflowers and dry them out on a piece of paper for about two weeks.

Store windflower seeds in an airtight container until next spring, then plant them outside as soon as possible after all danger of frost has passed.

FAQs about windflowers

Are windflowers hardy?

Windflowers are hardy and can survive in a variety of climates.

What can I plant with windflowers?

The windflower pairs well with other plants such as roses, peonies and daisies. They also look lovely when planted near a fence or trellis because of their tendency to climb upward towards light sources!

How Long do Windflowers Last?

Windflowers can last up to two years if they are kept in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our post on the different types of windflowers. We hope that you have learned something new and are inspired to go out and see these lovely flowers for yourself. Be sure to check back with us soon as we will be posting more flower-related content in the near future. Have a wonderful day!