NOTEWORTHY PERENNIALS 47 



Anemone — Japanese Wind Flower 



There are many kinds of Anemones found growing in the cul- 

 tivated gardens, as well as in the wild of our woods. Some are among 

 the first flowers to bloom along the river banks in the Spring and some 

 bloom even after the early frosts of Autumn have come. AH thrive 

 under cool conditions and in many cases the ground should be covered 

 with leafmold to keep it cool. The early blooming varieties such as 

 the Pasque Flower {Anemone Pulsatilla) grow about 9 inches high and 

 the purpUsh flowers are borne in profusion during April. The Pasque 

 Flower is followed by seed pods covered with silky hairs which stay on 

 the plant for a considerable time. But of all the Anemones, the 

 Japanese Wind Flower (A japonica) is the largest and the best one to 

 grow for our gardens. They begin blooming early in Fall and last 

 until freezing weather cuts them down when only the Cosmos, Dahlias 

 and Chrysanthemums are left. The flowers are pure white, light and 

 dark pink; they grow from "2 feet to 3 feet tall. They seem to thrive 

 best when planted in front of shrubbery, evergreens or walls facing the 

 south where they are protected from the northern winds. Japanese 

 Anemones have a leathery fohage which is dark green on the surface 

 and light green on the under side. The flower spikes grow straight 

 and erect from the center of the plant and bear many large, saucer- 

 shaped flowers with a large center of yellow pollen masses. The good 

 varieties are: Whirlwind, white; Queen Charlotte, pink; Geante des 

 Blanches, white, and Kriemhilde, rose. There are also rosy-reds and 

 crimsons. 



Us7?]s. Anemones are charming when used as cut flowers espe- 

 cially when combined with the fine ferns or Asparagus plumosus. TM 

 dwarf varieties which bloom in the Spring are used in rock gardens, 

 while the others are used in borders. The Japanese Anemones bloom 

 at a time when flowers are scarce and with slight protection from the 

 early frosts, tliey will bloom two or three weeks after many other 

 plants are killed. 



Culture. All Anemones like a rich, moist soil, one which is well 

 drained in Winter. The early dwarf varieties will thrive in shady 

 places, but the Japanese Wind Flowers need sunshine. They like lots 

 of water and should be thoroughly soaked with water during a dr^ 

 season. They need some Winter protection, such as a good covering 

 of leaves. If the plants are moved, it should be in the Spring, but 

 it is best to let them grow undistm-bed in the border for a number 

 of years. The ground should be worked deeply and well manured. 



