Wood anemone Anemone nemorosa 'Westwell Pink'
ABOUT
The Anemone nemorosa 'Westwell Pink', commonly known as the wood anemone, is a charming perennial that showcases a delicate beauty. Its appearance is marked by the presence of soft pink flowers which carry a hint of pink blush over the petals, giving them a gentle yet vibrant look. Each flower possesses a whirl of petal-like sepals, usually numbering six to eight, that surround a central core of prominent yellow stamens, creating a striking contrast against the pastel backdrop. The blooms appear to float above the plant, bringing an ethereal quality to the garden. The foliage of the wood anemone 'Westwell Pink' is equally attractive, with deeply lobed leaves that form a lush, green groundcover. These leaves are often divided into three segments, with further subdivisions, giving them a feathery appearance. As the slender stems rise, they hold the flowers aloft, imparting an airy feel to this delightful plant. When in bloom, the plant contributes a splash of soft color, creating a serene and picturesque scene that captures the essence of spring.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Windflower, Wood Anemone, Thimbleweed, Smell Fox
Common names
Anemone nemorosa 'Westwell Pink'.
ToxicityTo humans
Wood Anemone, which Anemone nemorosa 'Westwell Pink' belongs to, contains toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested, and its sap can be an irritant to the skin and mucous membranes. The plant contains protoanemonin, which is released when the plant tissue is damaged. If ingested, symptoms can include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the skin may cause rashes or blistering. It is advised to handle this plant with care and ensure it is not consumed by people.
To pets
Wood Anemone displays toxicity to pets due to the presence of protoanemonin, which is a compound that can cause irritation and damage to tissues. If ingested by a pet, it could lead to gastrointestinal upset with symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the skin might result in dermatitis or rashes. To prevent accidental poisoning, it is important to keep pets away from this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Anemone nemorosa 'Westwell Pink' is easy to grow and requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its charming pink flowers and attractive foliage, it adds a touch of beauty to any garden setting during its blooming season in spring.
- Aid for Pollinators: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of plants and the overall health of ecosystems.
- Natural Ground Cover: This plant can serve as an effective ground cover, spreading to cover bare spots and prevent weeds from growing.
- Tolerance of Shade: Anemone nemorosa 'Westwell Pink' is suitable for shaded areas, where other plants might not thrive, helping to beautify darker parts of the garden.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Its resistance to deer and rabbits makes it an excellent choice for gardens in areas where these animals are a common nuisance.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides early spring flowers, which can be very welcome after the winter season when few other plants are in bloom.
- Companion Planting: Works well when planted with other shade-loving perennials, creating varied textures and layers in a woodland garden setting.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Anemone nemorosa, commonly known as wood anemone, can be used in photographic projects for its delicate and unique pinkish hue, offering natural contrast in macro photography.
- The wood anemone's petals can be used in art projects, such as pressed flower arrangements or in resin jewelry, capturing the beauty of spring in a tangible form.
- Due to its early spring bloom, the wood anemone can be used as an indicator plant in gardens to signal the start of the planting season for frost-sensitive plants.
- The flower can also serve as a living mulch in woodland gardens, with its dense foliage suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture.
- In landscape design, 'Westwell Pink' can be used to create a 'river' effect when planted in large drifts, mimicking the natural growth pattern in woodland settings.
- The plant can be used as part of a sensory garden, with its soft textures providing a tactile experience for visitors.
- Traditionally, wood anemone has been used in storytelling and folklore to teach children about the changing seasons, especially the transition from winter to spring.
- Due to its short stature and early bloom, wood anemone can be used to underplant deciduous trees, creating a layered garden design that takes advantage of vertical space.
- In dye-making, the blossoms could potentially be used to extract natural dyes for coloring fabrics, though they are not commonly known for this purpose.
- With its ethereal appearance, wood anemone can play a role in set design for theatrical productions or photo shoots requiring a spring woodland scene.
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: Anemone, in general, represents anticipation, deriving from the Greek myth of Anemone, who was turned into a flower by the goddess Flora, who was wait for Zephyr, the god of wind.
- Fragility and Fading Beauty: The delicate nature of the anemone flower is often symbolic of fleeting beauty and life's ephemeral nature.
- Protection Against Evil: Folklore suggests that anemones were used to ward off diseases and bad luck, effectively functioning as a protective charm.
- Lost Love and Forsakenness: The anemone sometimes symbolizes forsaken love, linked to the story of the love between Adonis and Aphrodite, where anemones sprang from Adonis' blood when he died.
WaterWood Anemone 'Westwell Pink' enjoys moist, well-drained soil, so it’s important to maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. During the active growing period in spring, water the plant thoroughly once a week, ensuring the soil is damp to a depth of about two inches. Adjust frequency if rainfall is sufficient, aiming for about one gallon of water per square foot every week. In the summer, once the plant has gone dormant, reduce watering significantly, only to keep the soil from drying out completely.
LightWood Anemone 'Westwell Pink' performs best in partial shade conditions, thriving under dappled sunlight typical of woodland environments. An ideal spot would be under trees or shrubs which provide shifting sun and shade throughout the day, avoiding the intensity of full afternoon sun, which can be too harsh for the plant.
TemperatureWood Anemone 'Westwell Pink' thrives in temperate climates and is hardy in a range between 30 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can survive short periods of colder snaps down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, consistently low temperatures can be harmful. The ideal range for promoting active growth would be between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Wood Anemone 'Westwell Pink' is primarily for removing dead or damaged foliage and to maintain plant health. Cut back the foliage after it has yellowed and withered, typically in late spring after the plant has gone dormant. No regular pruning is needed throughout the growing season, but tidying up old plant material can be beneficial yearly.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWood Anemone thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with an ideal pH of 5.5 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. A mix of loam, leaf mold, and sand can create an optimal environment for its growth.
RepottingWood Anemones generally do not need frequent repotting as they spread through rhizomes; they may only need repotting every few years to refresh the soil or control their spread.
Humidity & MistingWood Anemone prefers moderate to high humidity levels, which mimic its natural woodland habitat, but can tolerate a range of humidity conditions as long as the soil moisture is adequate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade with rich, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAnemone nemorosa 'Westwell Pink', commonly known as Wood Anemone, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which is enhanced by a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the root system develops rhizomes that will become dormant in the summer after the foliage dies back. In the following spring, new shoots emerge from these rhizomes, marking the vegetative growth phase, which is when the distinctive lobed leaves and pink flowers develop. After flowering, usually around April to May depending on the climate, the plant undergoes pollination, predominantly by insects, leading to seed formation. Once seeds are dispersed, the plant enters summer dormancy, retreating to the underground rhizomes until the next spring cycle. This cycle of growth, reproduction, and dormancy repeats annually, allowing the Wood Anemone to spread and colonize the woodland floor it naturally inhabits.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Anemone nemorosa 'Westwell Pink', commonly known as Wood Anemone, is typically propagated by dividing its rhizomes, also referred to as tubers. The best time to propagate Wood Anemones through division is in late summer to early fall, after the plants have finished flowering and have begun to die back. To propagate, carefully dig up the clumps of tubers while trying to minimize damage. The tubers should be gently separated by hand or with a knife into smaller clumps, each with several growth points. Once divided, the tubers can be immediately replanted into well-draining soil at a depth of approximately 2 inches (about 5 centimeters), spaced around 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth and expansion. It is important to keep the soil moist after planting to encourage establishment, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to rot.
