Ashwood Nurseries

In the Garden

We have been growing Anemone pavonina hybrids for many years now and have found them to be hardy to at least -10oC, providing that their preference for a sunny, well drained position in the garden is met. Like many plants from the Mediterranean region, they die down and rest during the summer. In the following autumn, fresh leaves appear followed by further foliage and the first flower buds, usually in February or March. Over two or three seasons they will develop into quite substantial plants with many more flowers.

In the Cold Greenhouse

They can also be successfully grown in pots in a cold greenhouse where they make an excellent plant for cut flower production (their blooms last well in water). Use a good sized pot to accommodate a vigorous root system and re-pot the tubers each summer while dormant,. Any well-drained compost is suitable, but we use John Innes Potting No2 to which we add leaf mould and perlite to give extra drainage. They will require plenty of water in spring when in active growth, but much less as the leaves die down in late spring. Thereafter occasional watering is all that is required until growth resumes in February. They are generally free of pest and diseases, but greenfly and powdery mildew can occur occasionally. These are easily controlled using systemic insecticide and fungicide. 

Seed Sowing

Seed is best sown as fresh as possible. Sow into 2litre pots, using a mixture of 3 parts John Innes seed compost, 1 part shredded leaf mould and 1 part perlite. Spread the seed thinly, about 50 seeds per pot, and cover the seed with ½ cm of potting grit. Stand the pots outdoors in a cool shaded position and keep moist. Germination usually begins in early autumn. In October move the seedlings into a greenhouse, frame or tunnel, covering with fleece in very cold weather. When they show their first true leaves, prick them out into individual cells or small pots and grow on until dormant in late April to early May. Stand outside again in a cool shady position and re-pot in August into 10cm pots. Transfer to the greenhouse, frame or tunnel, again covering with fleece in very cold weather. Your plants will begin flowering between late February to April and can now be planted outdoors in a sunny, well-drained position.
Seed can also be direct-sown outdoors providing a good seed bed with a fine tilth is created. Again seed must be sown thinly and covered with 1cm of potting grit. Water well with a fine rose and cover with shade netting on a simple frame for protection. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out and allow the remaining plants to grow on until flowering.