Anemonastrum narcissiflorum
Anemonastrum narcissiflorum · Ranunculaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant anemonastrum narcissiflorum: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Anemonastrum narcissiflorum
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Mature size
- 30-50 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Mountainous regions of central and southern Europe
Care
Light exposure
Place your narcissus anemone in a bright location, in partial shade or dappled sun. It appreciates north or east-facing exposures where it receives gentle light without excess direct heat in summer. Avoid overly dark areas that compromise flowering.
Watering
Keep the soil moist and well-draining during the active growing period (spring). Water moderately after flowering until the foliage dies back. In summer and autumn, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy.
Soil
Prefer rich, well-worked and well-drained soil with good organic matter. A mix with humus or compost is beneficial. This anemone dreads waterlogging and compacted soils; add sand or gravel if needed.
Fertilizing
A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring at low dilution will be quite sufficient. Most of the time, soil enriched with humus provides the necessary nutrients. Avoid excess feeding that promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and cutting
No pruning is necessary. Let the foliage yellow and die back naturally after flowering to allow the plant to rebuild its reserves. You can cut back the dry leaves once they are completely dead.
Pests and diseases
The narcissus anemone is generally robust. In overly moist soil, it may suffer from root rot. Watch for slugs in early season. Good drainage and soil aeration are your best preventatives.
Did you know?
This anemone gets its name 'narcissiflorum' because of its pure white flowers arranged in an umbel that resemble those of the narcissus. In the past, alpine botanists actively sought it out in high-altitude mountain meadows, considering its early flowering one of the promises of spring renewal in the mountains.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Stinking helleboreHelleborus foetidus
- Meadow rueThalictrum aquilegiifolium
- Christmas roseHelleborus niger
- Grecian windflowerAnemone blanda
- Lenten roseHelleborus orientalis
- Hubei AnemoneEriocapitella hupehensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.