Rue anemone 'Betty Blake' Anemonella thalictroides 'Betty Blake' (d)

Water

Rue Anemone 'Betty Blake' should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means weekly during active growth in spring and fall. Water directly at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness and reduce the risk of disease. Provide approximately one gallon of water for each plant, ensuring it's enough to moisten the soil without causing standing water. During the summer dormancy period, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture. Consistent watering during the growing seasons promotes healthy growth and flowering.

Light

Rue Anemone 'Betty Blake' thrives best in dappled sunlight, mimicking its natural woodland habitat. The ideal spot for this plant would be under the canopy of tall trees or on the north side of a structure where it can receive bright, indirect light. Avoid direct afternoon sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate foliage.

Temperature

Rue Anemone 'Betty Blake' prefers temperate conditions and is hardy in temperatures ranging from 20 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant's ideal temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It is a spring ephemeral and can tolerate light frosts but may be damaged by temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning Rue Anemone 'Betty Blake' is generally limited to removing spent flowers to encourage additional blooming and cutting back the foliage after it yellows and withers in late spring or early summer. This plant does not require frequent pruning; clean up should occur annually once the plant enters its summer dormancy. Removing dead or yellowed leaves can also help maintain a tidy appearance and reduce the chance of disease.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Rue Anemone 'Betty Blake' thrives in a well-draining, humus-rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix would be equal parts of garden soil, leaf mold or compost, and sand or perlite for drainage.

Repotting

Rue Anemone 'Betty Blake' typically does not require frequent repotting. Repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant appears to outgrow its current container is sufficient.

Humidity & Misting

Rue Anemone 'Betty Blake' prefers moderate humidity levels, similar to its native woodland environment. Aim to maintain humidity around 50% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade, moist well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Anemonella thalictroides 'Betty Blake', commonly known as Rue Anemone 'Betty Blake', begins its life cycle with seed germination, which typically occurs in early spring when temperature and soil moisture levels are adequate. After germination, the seedling establishes a small rosette of leaves and a rudimentary root system. As it matures, 'Betty Blake' develops compound leaves and forms an underground corm, which acts as a storage organ for nutrients and helps it to survive adverse conditions. During late spring to early summer, the plant blooms, showcasing its characteristic double greenish-white flowers, attracting pollinators leading to seed set. Once pollination has taken place, the plant will produce seeds that are dispersed to begin the next generation. The Rue Anemone 'Betty Blake' then enters a dormant phase in late summer or early fall as the above-ground foliage dies back, relying on its corm to survive the winter until the cycle starts anew with the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Anemonella thalictroides 'Betty Blake', commonly referred to as Rue Anemone 'Betty Blake', is often propagated by division. The best time to divide this plant is in the autumn, after the foliage has died back, or in early spring before the new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of tubers from the ground using a garden fork, taking care not to damage the tubers. Gently tease apart the individual tubers, making sure that each division has at least one growth point or eye. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 12 inches (roughly 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method of propagation allows gardeners to create new plants that are exact clones of the parent, maintaining its unique double-flowered characteristics.