Anemone blanda 'Alba'

Overview and Seasonal Interest

Anemone blanda 'Alba', also known as white Grecian windflower, is a graceful, low-growing spring perennial prized for its daisy-like white blooms and delicate, ferny foliage. A cultivar of Anemone blanda, native to southeastern Europe, this variety flowers in early to mid-spring, adding a carpet of bright white beneath trees, along borders, or in naturalised drifts with bulbs like crocus and daffodils.

‘Alba’ is valued for its naturalising ability, forming low mats of colour that return reliably each spring. It’s especially useful in woodland gardens or shady rockeries, where it thrives in dappled light and well-drained soil.

• Height: 10–15 cm

• Spread: 20–30 cm

• Flowers: Star-shaped, pure white with golden-yellow centres

• Foliage: Fine, deeply cut green leaves resembling ferns

• Flowering Time: March to April

• Habit: Low, clump-forming groundcover

• Type: Tuberous perennial

• Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy to -15°C)

• Pollinator-friendly: Early nectar source for bees and hoverflies

• Naturalising: Self-spreads and returns year after year

Planting Site and Soil Preferences

‘Alba’ thrives in partially shaded areas with free-draining, humus-rich soils. It’s ideal for underplanting deciduous trees and shrubs, where it can take advantage of spring light before the canopy fills in.

Light Requirements

• Best in partial shade or dappled sunlight

• Tolerates full sun in cooler climates or when soil remains moist in spring

• Avoid dense shade or areas with heavy summer cover

Soil Conditions

• Prefers light, well-drained soils, enriched with leaf mould or compost

• Ideal in loam, sandy loam, or improved clay

• Requires dry to moderately moist conditions—do not plant in soggy soil

Planting Tips

• Plant tubers in autumn (September–November), 5 cm deep and 7–10 cm apart

• Soak tubers for several hours before planting to speed up sprouting

• Plant in groups for best effect—naturalised drifts are especially effective

Seasonal Maintenance and Aftercare

Watering

• Keep moist in early spring as growth begins

• Once foliage dies back in summer, plants enter dormancy and need little to no water

• Avoid waterlogged conditions at all times

Feeding

• Apply a light mulch of leaf mould or compost in autumn

• No feeding generally needed if grown in fertile soil

Pruning

• No pruning required

• Allow foliage to die back naturally—this nourishes the tubers for next year

• Avoid cutting leaves prematurely after flowering

Winter and Dormancy

• Fully hardy throughout the UK and Ireland

• Tubers remain dormant underground in summer and winter

• Mulch lightly in autumn for added protection and soil improvement

• If needed, divide clumps in autumn or early spring after flowering

Garden Use and Design Combinations

Anemone blanda 'Alba' is an excellent choice for creating early-season impact with minimal maintenance. Its compact form and early bloom time make it ideal for many planting styles.

Best Uses

• Naturalised under trees or shrubs

• Woodland gardens and shady borders

• Rock gardens or gravel areas

• Containers or mixed bulb plantings

• Great companion to early tulips, crocus, daffodils, and muscari

Companion Plants

• Pairs beautifully with:

  • Narcissus, Scilla, Iris reticulata

  • Hellebores, Pulmonaria, Primroses

  • Brunnera, Ferns, and Epimedium

Highlights and Benefits

• Early spring colour when few other perennials are in flower

• Low-maintenance and reliable—ideal for busy gardeners

• Naturalises well—forms larger drifts over time

• Attracts early pollinators to the garden

• Excellent for small spaces or mass plantings

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.