Anemone nemorosa 'Royal Blue' (Wood anemone)
Anemone nemorosa 'Royal Blue' is a woodland classic, bringing lavender-blue spring flowers to shady corners in early spring. The starry blooms appear in a fresh carpet above finely cut foliage, brightening banks, underplanting and the front of borders when little else is flowering, and they look especially beautiful planted in repeating groups.
Reaching about 10–25cm in flower, wood anemones spread steadily to form natural-looking colonies. They are ideal beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, where they enjoy spring light before the canopy closes, and they naturalise beautifully in woodland-style gardens.
Plant rootstocks in autumn or early spring in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. A position in partial shade is ideal, though they will tolerate sun in cool, damp ground. Water after planting and keep soil just moist while new growth establishes.
Once settled, wood anemones are low maintenance. Leave foliage to die back naturally after flowering so plants can recharge for next year. A light mulch of leaf mould or compost in autumn supports healthy colonies and helps retain soil moisture.
Use wood anemones to create spring drifts under shrubs, along pathways and on woodland edges. The flowers are pollinator-friendly and provide early nectar, while the spreading habit helps knit planting together for a soft, natural finish.
| Botanical name | Anemone nemorosa 'Royal Blue' |
| Flower colour | Lavender-blue (purple-blue) |
| Tuber size | Grade I (Top Size) |
| Established height | 10–50 cm |
| Established spread | 20–30 cm |
| Plant spacing | 75–100 bulbs per m² |
| Leaf colour | Green |
| Habit | Spreading, naturalising |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy (H6) |
| Years to establish | 1st–2nd year |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Position | Exposed or Sheltered |
| Suitable for | Woodland, Borders, Naturalising, Pots |
| Soil acidity | Any |
| Soil moisture | Moist but well-drained |
| Soil type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| RHS Award (AGM) | Yes |
| Growing skill | Easy to grow |
| Pollinator-friendly | Yes |
| Deer resistant | No |
Planting and Flowering Calendar
Key Features
Packed in paper
Packed peat-free
Great for Shade
Attracts wildlife
Low maintenance
Good for cutting
Naturalising

