Anemone-flowered Callianthemum

A rare and exquisite beauty from the Eastern Alps, Callianthemum anemonoides is a deciduous perennial that is highly prized for its early spring display. Before the leaves are fully developed, it produces large, multi-petalled flowers that range from pure white to a delicate pale pink, resembling miniature wood anemones but with a more substantial, waxy texture. These are held on short stems above finely divided, fern-like, blue-grey foliage. In the UK, this plant is best grown in a cool, partially shaded spot in the rock garden or in a deep pot in a cool alpine house. It prefers a soil that is rich in leaf mould but still provides excellent drainage, mimicking the mountain woodland edges where it grows naturally. It is fully hardy (H5) but should be protected from slugs in the spring, as they are particularly fond of the emerging flower buds and tender young foliage. It is a slow-growing but deeply rewarding plant for the connoisseur.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich loam.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Marbase, Aprbase.