Wood anemone 'Robinsoniana' Anemone nemorosa 'Robinsoniana'
ABOUT
'Robinsoniana' is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial to 20cm in height, with deeply divided leaves and solitary flowers 3-4cm in width, light lavender-blue within, greyish-cream on reverse
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Wood Anemone, Windflower, Thimbleweed, Smell Fox
Common names
Anemonoides nemorosa 'Robinsoniana', Anemonanthea nemorosa 'Robinsoniana'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Anemone nemorosa 'Robinsoniana' provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Ground Cover: This variety can act as ground cover, suppressing weeds and protecting soil from erosion.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant's delicate blue flowers add beauty to gardens, creating a serene and attractive environment during springtime.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires little care, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance planting options.
- Natural Habitat: It supports local ecosystems by providing habitat for a variety of insects, which in turn can attract birds and other wildlife.
- Seasonal Interest: Anemone nemorosa 'Robinsoniana' has a specific flowering time that adds seasonal interest to gardens during early spring when not much else is in bloom.
- Hardy Plant: It is generally hardy in a range of climates and can survive winter conditions in many regions without requiring special care.
- Educational Interest: Garden enthusiasts can use this plant to learn more about native plant species, their cultivation, and role in local environments.
Medical Properties- Anemone nemorosa 'Robinsoniana', commonly known as wood anemone, historically has been used in traditional medicine, though usage is not common and can be risky due to its toxic properties.
- The plant contains protoanemonin, which is an irritant and can have medicinal effects in small, carefully controlled doses, but it can be hazardous and must be used with extreme caution.
- Traditionally, wood anemone has been used for its purported anti-rheumatic effects.
- It has also been used as an analgesic and as a treatment for headaches and migraines, although these uses are not supported by modern clinical evidence.
- Due to its toxic nature, the plant is not commonly used in modern herbal medicine, and self-medication is strongly discouraged without professional guidance.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Anemone nemorosa 'Robinsoniana', commonly known as Wood Anemone, can serve as a natural dye source, providing a range of colors from green to brown depending on the mordant used.
- Wood Anemones can be used in educational settings for studying phenology, which is the timing of seasonal events in plants and animals, as they are one of the early-spring blooming flowers.
- The plant's ability to spread and cover ground can make it useful for erosion control in shaded woodland environments.
- Wood Anemones can be used as a living mulch in woodland gardens, suppressing weeds while adding visual interest with their carpet of foliage and flowers.
- These plants can be used in art projects, such as pressing the flowers for inclusion in natural art pieces or botanical illustrations.
- Wood Anemones can serve as indicator species for ancient woodland presence, used in ecological and conservational studies to identify historically significant woodland areas.
- The dried seed heads can be used in floral arrangements, adding a touch of whimsical charm and texture to the composition.
- Wood Anemone petals can be scattered in garden pathways or around stepping stones for a fairy-tale look as it naturally blends with the environment and decomposes without harming the ecosystem.
- The species is often used in photography and cinematography to create a natural and enchanted woodland setting, especially during its blooming period.
- Garden designers sometimes use Wood Anemones for restoration or re-creation projects of historic gardens, as this plant has a long history of cultivation in Europe.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Wood Anemone is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Wood Anemone is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Anticipation and Expectation: The Anemone blooms in spring, a season symbolizing new beginnings and the anticipation of summer.
- Fragility of Life: Anemones are delicate flowers, which can be easily damaged by wind and rain, reflecting the fragile nature of existence.
- Protection Against Evil: In ancient times, Anemone flowers were used in charms and amulets to ward off evil spirits, due to their protective mythology.
- Loss and Abandonment: According to Greek mythology, the anemone sprang from the tears of Aphrodite as she mourned the death of Adonis, representing sorrow and love lost.
- Forsaken Love: In the Victorian language of flowers, Anemone signifies forsaken or unforgotten love, probably stemming from the same mythological origins involving Adonis and Aphrodite.
WaterThe Wood Anemone 'Robinsoniana' prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its growing season in the spring. Water this perennial when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which often equates to once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard every week during active growth, ensuring an even moisture level without waterlogging the soil. Throughout the dormant period, which occurs after it blooms and the foliage dies back, reduce watering significantly to prevent rot.
LightWood Anemone 'Robinsoniana' grows best in dappled sunlight or part shade. It thrives under the canopy of deciduous trees where it can receive filtered light. Avoid planting in full, harsh sun as it may scorch the delicate foliage, and also steer clear of deep shade where it may struggle to flourish.
TemperatureWood Anemone 'Robinsoniana' is cold-hardy and can typically handle temperatures down to 20°F, possibly lower with adequate winter mulch. It prefers a temperate climate and grows best when spring temperatures range between 50°F to 70°F. Extreme heat is not well-tolerated, so during summer, ensure it has adequate shade if temperatures consistently exceed 75°F.
PruningPruning Wood Anemone 'Robinsoniana' mainly involves removing spent flowers and yellowed or dead foliage to maintain plant health. Pruning should be done after flowering in late spring to allow the plant to focus energy on root and foliage growth. No regular pruning is necessary, but cutting back dead foliage before winter can help keep the area tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWood anemone thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of leaf mold, garden compost, and loamy soil is ideal, mimicking its natural woodland habitat.
RepottingWood anemone bulbs are typically repotted every 2-3 years or when the clumps become overcrowded, ensuring optimal health and bloom.
Humidity & MistingWood anemones prefer a humid environment that mimics their natural woodland setting, with higher humidity levels, but they are tolerant of average room humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide dappled light, cool temps, and moist, humusy soil.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, moist soil, and cool spot.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Anemone nemorosa 'Robinsoniana', commonly known as Wood Anemone, begins with the germination of seeds which require stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the plant develops a rhizome - an underground stem that is the primary growth stage and stores nutrients for perennial growth. The rhizome gives rise to shoots which emerge in early spring; these shoots bear both leaves and flowers. The flowering stage typically occurs in March or April, when the plant displays its pale blue to lavender flowers. After flowering, the plant undergoes photosynthesis and nutrient accumulation through its leaves until they die back in late spring or early summer, marking the period of dormancy. During this dormant stage, the plant rests and conserves energy in its rhizome until the next growing cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Wood Anemone variety Anemone nemorosa 'Robinsoniana' is most commonly propagated by division. The best time to propagate this plant is in the late summer to autumn when the plant is in its dormant phase. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of tubers from the ground using a spade, ensuring to keep as much soil around the roots as possible. Once lifted, gently tease apart the tubers, being careful not to damage them. Each section should have at least one growth point. Replant the divided tubers immediately at a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm), spacing them approximately 12 inches (30 cm) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted tubers well to help establish them. This method is relatively straightforward and can help to rejuvenate older clumps of the plant while increasing stock.
