Awarded at the Chelsea Flower Show, the prestigious English horticultural exhibition, the ‘Wild Swan’ anemone is a unique variety. Both graceful and robust, it captivates with its prolonged flowering and natural elegance.

Anemone Wild Swan

A long-lasting and refined flowering

Unlike classic Japanese anemones, which often have a limited summer or autumn flowering period, ‘Wild Swan’ offers a remarkable display from spring until early autumn. It stands out with its large, slightly satin white flowers that brighten up the garden.

But its true asset lies in a fascinating detail: when the flower closes at the end of the day or a breeze lifts its petals, beautiful purple stripes appear on their underside, adding an unparalleled touch of refinement. This subtle play of colours makes it a plant full of surprises, always changing throughout the hours.

An elegant silhouette and delicate foliage

The ‘Wild Swan’ anemone does not just have exceptional flowering. Its airy and natural habit makes it an ideal perennial for structuring borders. Its dark green, finely cut foliage provides a backdrop that highlights the delicacy of the flowers.

It reaches about 40 to 50 cm in height and spreads 50 cm wide, forming a beautiful, dense, and harmonious clump. Whether at the edge, in a border, or even in a pot on a terrace, it easily finds its place thanks to its balanced silhouette.

Where and how to Grow the ‘Wild Swan’ Anemone?

This anemone is valued for its hardiness and ease of maintenance. It adapts to many situations but expresses its full potential when grown under the right conditions.

Ideal Exposure

  • It prefers a partially shaded position, where it receives light without being exposed to the scorching rays of the sun.
  • It can also be planted in gentle sun, provided the soil remains cool.

Soil Type

  • A rich, light, and well-drained soil is essential to avoid excess moisture that could weaken the plant.
  • A humus-bearing and slightly acidic soil is ideal for promoting healthy growth.

Maintenance and Watering

  • Water regularly in summer, especially during dry spells, but without overwatering to avoid saturating the roots.
  • Remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
  • A winter mulch can be beneficial in regions with very harsh winters.

Successful garden combinations

The ‘Wild Swan’ anemone is perfect for creating natural and romantic scenes. Here are some pairing ideas to showcase it:

  • With light grasses (Stipa, Carex) for a contrast between softness and structure.
  • With other shade perennials such as ferns, hostas, or heucheras for a fresh and green atmosphere.
  • With English roses or astrantias for an English-inspired garden.

Why adopting the ‘Wild Swan’ Anemone?

With its elegant habit, long-lasting flowering, and subtle contrasts, the ‘Wild Swan’ anemone is an exceptional perennial that adds a sophisticated touch to the garden. Easy to grow, it appeals to both novice gardeners and enthusiasts. It offers a beautiful alternative to traditional Japanese anemones and integrates wonderfully into a harmonious composition.

Don't hesitate to adopt it in your garden to enjoy its unique charm season after season!

Further reading