Windflower (Anemone cylindrica) is a hardy perennial native to North America that brings delicate, cup-shaped greenish-white flowers to the garden from late spring through fall. Growing 12-36 inches tall and spreading 6-24 inches wide, it thrives in zones 4-8 and handles both full sun and partial shade with equal grace. The flowers feature distinctive thimble-like centers packed with yellow stamens, followed by showy, ornamental fruit that extends the plant's visual interest well beyond bloom time. Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, windflower rewards patient gardeners with reliable blooms and minimal fussing.
Partial Sun
Moderate
4-8
36in H x 24in W
—
Low
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The real treasure here lies in windflower's dual-season appeal: cup-shaped flowers in late spring transition seamlessly into showy fruiting structures that persist through fall, creating visual interest when many perennials have faded. Its deeply lobed palmate foliage provides textural contrast even before and after flowering, while the plant's natural tolerance for drought and deer browsing means it thrives in challenging garden spots where other perennials struggle. Butterflies visit the blooms, and the flowers cut beautifully for arrangements, making this an unusually useful perennial for both the landscape and the vase.
Windflower serves multiple purposes in the garden and beyond. Its flowers are valued for cutting and arrangement work due to their delicate form and lasting quality indoors. In the landscape, it naturalizes well in meadows and woodland edges, creating drifts of color that spread gradually over time. The plant also attracts butterflies and other pollinators, making it a natural choice for wildlife gardens and native plantings.
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Cut flowers for arrangements when the cup-shaped blooms have fully opened and the yellow center stamens are visible. The flowering stems hold up well in water. Allow spent flowers to remain on the plant if you want to enjoy the showy fruit structures that follow; these ornamental seed heads persist into fall and provide additional visual interest without deadheading.
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