Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DO WE LOVE ABOUT WINDFLOWERS? Dutch Windflowers, also known as French Anemone, are often considered the world’s most beautiful anemone because they have some of the largest velvety, poppy-like flowers in deep, rich colors. They are called Windflowers because when in bloom as the spring breezes blow, they gently sway side to side producing an elegant effect in the garden. They are an incredible addition to your other spring flowers, such as tulips and daffodils because they add a unique color scheme and flower shape that is not often found in spring gardens. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO PLANT WINDFLOWERS? The time to plant your bulbs is mid to late fall, generally between Halloween and Thanksgiving. This is when the weather has cooled down, but before the ground has frozen. WHERE SHOULD I PLANT MY WINDFLOWERS? Windflowers do best in areas that offer at least a half day of shade, but will grow well in full shade too. That makes these a spectacular bulb for woodland areas, under trees, along edging, or as a mass planting. They do best in rich, well-draining soil. SHOULD I CLUSTER MY BULBS? Like most spring flowering bulbs, Windflowers look best when planted in large groups. If you want to impress, cluster 10-12 bulbs per square foot, or space bulbs 2-3” apart for a less dense display. PLANTING TIP! When Windflowers bulbs arrive, they may appear a bit dried out. Do not despair. On the morning of planting, soak your bulbs in lukewarm water for 2-4 hours to activate them before planting. This will hydrate your bulbs and get ready to grow nicely. Spring Daisy Windflowers Collection (Anemone coronaria De Caen Mix) First Things First...

When your plants arrive from Roberta’s, remove from the shipping box immediately. Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around the bulbs. Discard any packing material clinging to the bulbs. Plant in the fall when evening temperatures average between 40-50 degrees F, but before the ground freezes. When ready to plant, do the job as early in the day as possible to avoid extreme soil temperatures that prevent proper water uptake from the roots. Water them in well and whisper a few words of wisdom. quick reference Continuing Care Additional Reference planting guide

SHELF LIFE light/sun exposure: Full Sun to Full Shade Plant into garden when night temperatures average 40-50F degrees. Generally, between Halloween and Thanksgiving. If necessary, you may usda store bulbs for a month or longer in a cool, dry place. hardiness zones: 5-9 PLANT PREPARATION plant type Perennial Remove any packing material clinging to bulbs. Determine the pointed end up of the bulb, this is what points upward when planting. If you planting distance: 2-3” apart, or 10-12 bulbs per sq. ft cannot determine which end is up, simply plant sideways, and the bulb will find its way up. Soak bulbs in lukewarm water for 2-4 hours prior mature height/spread: 8-10 inches to planting. PLANTING DEPTH AND SPACING 4-6 inches Plant bulbs about 2-3 inches deep and about 2-3 inches apart from one another. Alternatively, you may dig wider holes and plant 10-12 bulbs Windflower bloom time: Late Spring to Early Summer per square foot. Shipped as Shown POTTED PLANTS planting instructions: Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around These grow wonderfully in containers. Make sure your containers the bulbs. Discard any packing material clinging (soil preparation, depth, have drainage holes. Plant bulbs 2-3” deep. In a 12” pot, you may which end is up, etc.) to the bulbs. Plant in the fall before the ground plant up to 12 bulbs in this container. You may also mix in other freezes. spring flowering bulbs, such and tulips, daffodils, and muscari in the container. SOIL PREPARATION They prefer average garden soil that drains well. If soil is heavy clay, amend with sand or compost to improve drainage. They do not like soggy ground or overly dry ground. Planting Guide GARDEN LOCATION These will grow well in full sun areas all the way to full shade. Dappled sun is ideal, so planting your windflowers in woodland gardens or under trees is a great choice. Cluster your bulbs about 12 Windflowers surrounding a Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around PLANT HEIGHT AND WIDTH the corms. Discard any packing material clinging per square foot for a carpet path of Sweet Alyssum These will grow about 8-10” tall and 4-6” wide. of color 1 to corms. WATER step Water in well upon planting. Generally during fall and winter rainfall will be sufficient. However, they do not like to reside in overly dry conditions, so make sure it’s never too dry where you’ve planted them. Plant in the garden when evening temperatures FERTILIZER average between 40-50F degrees, before the ground Feed upon initial planting in fall and then again when growth freezes. Rather than in the garden, you may plant appears in spring and summer. Roberta’s Flower Magic (M7503) is 2 bulbs into large containers. Plant bulbs upward facing, step recommended. but if you cannot determine top from bottom, plant LIGHTING sideways and they will find their way up. Full sun to full shade is acceptable. Partial, or dappled sun is preferred. BLOOMING General rule of thumb is to dig a hole for bulbs that Blooms will emerge in late spring and last into early summer. is twice the depth of the height of the bulb. For TEMPERATURE ZONE 5-9 example, dig a hole deep enough that would allow These are hardy down to minus -20F when planted in the ground. Great in dappled sun 3 DORMANCY you to easily stack two bulbs on top of each other – step but only put one bulb in that hole, and cover with dirt. After the flowers have bloomed you may cut the flower head off but do not cut the foliage. The bulbs use the leaves to gather energy for For Windflowers, a 2-3” deep hole will suffice. Water next year’s flowers, once the leaves have turned yellow or brown you well after planting. can cut them to ground level. DIVIDING There is no need to divide your Windflowers. Planted now in light, naturally rich soil, they will produce flowers in spring. To encourage more flowers 4 in the second season, feed with Roberta’s Gardens step Hawaiian Flower Magic in the spring and summer, when plants are in bloom, and after flowers have faded.

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