'Blue Shades' Winter Windflower Bulbs

• Variety: 'Blue Shades'
• Species: Anemone blanda
• Colour: Purple-blue, daisy-like
• Height: 15cm
• Flowering: March–April
• RHS AGM: No
• Sold as: Corms/tubers, premium size
• Plant: September to November
• Delivered: Autumn by courier. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Blue Shades Anemone – A Herald of Spring for People and Bees

Blue Shades is a Grecian windflower — Anemone blanda — and one of the most dependable early spring bulbs you can plant. The purple-blue, daisy-like flowers open flat in sunshine and close at dusk, appearing just as snowdrops are finishing and providing some of the first food for emerging bees. At 15cm, they form a low carpet of colour that works under deciduous trees, along the front of borders, or naturalised in grass.

The deep green, ferny foliage sits beneath the flowers without competing, and the whole plant disappears underground by early summer. They are classic partners with snake's head fritillaries, which start flowering as the anemones begin to fade — a seamless spring relay. They are not fussy about soil or position: anywhere with decent drainage and some sun will do.

Planting Partners

Scatter under deciduous trees with snowdrops (earlier) and crocuses for a three-month spring carpet. Browse all anemones.

Why Buy From Us?

We grade every batch of bulbs by hand. Undersized or soft bulbs get rejected. Premium-grade, Dutch-grown bulbs with energy to flower strongly. Delivered by courier, guaranteed, Which? Best Plant Supplier. Somerset team if you need advice. Browse all our flower bulbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to soak anemone blanda before planting?

It helps — soak the small, hard tubers for two to four hours before planting at about 5cm deep. They look like small pieces of dried ginger and it can be hard to tell which way is up. Plant sideways if unsure.

Will Blue Shades naturalise?

Readily. They spread by self-seeding and gradually form wider drifts in well-drained soil. Under deciduous trees is ideal — they get winter moisture and spring light, then go dormant under the summer canopy.

Are anemone blanda good for bees?

Among the most valuable early spring flowers for pollinators. The flat, open flowers give bees easy access to pollen and nectar at a time when very little else is available.