FALSE ANEMONE Anemonopsis macrophylla

Anemonopsis, the false anemone, is a perennial growing approximately 75 cm high, with pale lavender flowers in late summer, each about 2 cm in diameter. The flowers are bowl-shaped with a rosette of petals in the center, and are downward facing. The flowers are held well above the foliage; although not a small plant, the overall impression is one of daintiness and airiness.

Anemonopsis is frost-hardy at least to zone 4. It is a true woodland plant generally requiring except in very cool, damp climates.

Anemonopsis is self-fertile, and will set modest amounts of seed. If sown in containers as soon as ripe and the seed containers exposed to winter chilling, germination will occur the next spring. No particular treatment of seed is necessary other than exposure to ordinary winter chilling.

Type: Hardy perennial

Height: 75 cm, 30"

Location: or part sun in a cooler climate

Hardiness zones: 4-8

Seeds per pack: 3

Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them begin to grow. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water. Place them in a clear plastic bag (to retain moisture), and in a refrigerator for 5-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container back at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout several weeks after the warming period.

These seeds can also be planted in a cold frame outdoors in very early spring, while the temperatures are still cold and fluctuating, as long as you are able to keep the soil consistently moist. They will still need several weeks to germinate.