Anemone leveillei

Anemone leveillei is a delightful Asian species, boasting very open white corolla flowers, with the reverse shimmering with blue metallic reflections in late spring. The centre of the flower houses stamens of the same blue. This perennial bears beautiful dark green deciduous foliage, deeply cut into rounded lobes. It can be planted in light sun or partial shade, in humus-bearing and moist, well-drained soil, and easily naturalises in the garden.

Anemone leveillei is a perennial plant of the Ranunculaceae family, growing from a stump with rootlets. Close to A. rivularis, it is native to western China, where it grows in forests and moist woods, sheltered from the burning sun. The plant quickly reaches a height of 40 to 60cm (16 to 24in) when in flower. It forms a small mound of dark green, deeply cut, hairy leaves with rounded leaflets, from which thin floral stems emerge, bearing clustered buds at their tips that open in May-June, sometimes as early as April, depending on the climate. The flowers have 8 waxy petals arranged in a flat cup. White on the front, they are adorned with iridescent blue-mauve reflections on the reverse and surround a crown of bright blue-violet stamens around a green centre. This hardy species has a preference for moist soil. It shows good longevity and robust health where it thrives.

Anemone leveillei is an understory plant that doesn't mind a bit of sun as long as its roots stay cool. Magnificent when planted in large masses, it also pairs well with hostas, ferns, and wild gingers away from the scorching rays of the sun. It can also be planted with asters, rudbeckias, fuchsias, hydrangeas, and shade-tolerant perennial geraniums.