Anemone nemorosa ‘Royal Blue’

Wood Anemone Ranunculaceae

One of the deepest blue forms of the Wood Anemone, and considerably more aristocratic than the name might suggest. ‘Royal Blue’ produces a low carpet of finely divided, dark green foliage, above which appear rich lavender-blue to deep blue flowers with neat yellow centres. The contrast between the dark foliage and saturated flowers is particularly effective in the soft light of a spring woodland. 

It is an old and well-regarded cultivar: ‘Royal Blue’ received an Award of Merit in 1915, giving it a considerably longer horticultural pedigree than many of today’s recently named wood anemones. 

Like the species, it is a spring ephemeral, flowering from around March to May before disappearing underground for summer. It spreads by rhizomes and will eventually form attractive colonies. Grow in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial or deciduous shade, where it gets good light before the tree canopy closes. Drier conditions are tolerated once dormant. 

A particularly good choice where the usual white wood anemone simply won’t do — royal blue rather than retiring white, and with considerably more presence than its 10–15 cm stature would suggest.

H5 –10 to –15°C
Height: 10–15 cm
Spread: 30–50 cm
Flowers: March–May
Soil: Moist, humus-rich and well drained
Aspect: Deciduous shade or partial shade
Foliage: Dark green, deeply divided
Flowers: Rich lavender-blue to deep blue, yellow centre
Introduction: Award of Merit, 1915

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