Anemone multifida Major

Anemone multifida 'Major' is a vigorous perennial plant with tall, deeply divided foliage covered in silky hairs. It produces pale-yellow cup-shaped flowers with bright yellow stamens in the summer. This plant thrives in moist woodland areas and pairs beautifully with hostas and ferns. It is a mountainous species with a simple presence that establishes itself in the garden for a long time.

Anemone multifida belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to Canada and the northern United States. 'Major' is a cultivated variety selected for its slightly larger flowers compared to the wild species. This plant forms an upright clump of stems that reach 60cm (24in) when in bloom, with foliage that grows up to 30cm (12in) with a similar spread. It flowers in July-August. The inflorescence consists of one or more flowers, which have no petals but five to eight sepals in a soft pale-yellow colour. They are slightly villous, especially on the outer surface. The centre of the flower contains up to 80 stamens. The fruit resembles an inverted strawberry before becoming feathery. They are achenes a few millimetres long grouped together. This anemone grows from a caudex, a swollen base stem that serves as a storage organ. The basal leaves form tufts and are palmate and ramified, covered in a mantle of long, silky white hairs. Each leaf is divided into several long, pointed lobes, and sometimes the lobes further subdivide.

Anemone multifida 'Major' prefers cool, partially shaded areas and requires well-drained soil. Plant it alongside Anemone nemorosa in shady rock gardens, along pathways, or as a border plant in a cool, partially sunny location. This plant is particularly suited for alpine gardens and cultivation in troughs.