Anemone multifida Rubra

Anemone multifida 'Rubra', also known as Feather Anemone, is a vigorous perennial plant with deeply divided foliage covered in silky hairs. It produces dark pink-crimson cup-shaped flowers with bright yellow stamens in early summer. This plant thrives in moist woodland settings and pairs beautifully with hostas and ferns. With its captivating simplicity, this mountainous species will establish itself in the garden for years to come.

Anemone multifida belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to Canada and the northern United States, ranging from Alaska to New York, as well as further south in Arizona and New Mexico. 'Rubra' is a cultivar selected for its early flowering and lovely pink hue. This plant forms an upright clump with flowering stems reaching 50cm (20in) in height, foliage reaching 30cm (12in), and spreading up to 30cm (12in). The flowering period occurs in July-August and the inflorescence consists of one or more flowers. The flowers lack petals but have five to eight sepals, which are a deep pink, almost carmine colour. They are slightly velvety, especially on the outer surface. The flower centre contains up to 80 stamens. The fruit, resembling an inverted strawberry, transforms into a fuzzy mass when ripe. It is an achene, a few millimetres long. This anemone grows from a caudex, forming clumps of palmate and ramified basal leaves. The long-petioled leaves are covered in a mantle of long, silky white hairs. Each leaf is divided into several long, pointed lobes, which sometimes further subdivide.

Anemone multifida 'Rubra' prefers coolness and partial shade. Plant it in deep, rich, well-drained soil in light shade, under the canopy of deciduous trees or shrubs, if the soil stays moist there. This species requires perfectly drained soil and can even be grown in fine gravel. It is a less competitive species and should be planted away from overly prolific species. These plants establish and multiply through division in winter or early spring, during their vegetative rest. They require minimal maintenance.

Plant Anemone multifida 'Rubra' alongside Wood Anemone and Japanese Anemone in shady rock gardens, paving gardens, borders, or in cool, partially sunny areas, and pair them with hostas, ferns, and bleeding hearts. It is also suitable for rockeries, alpine gardens, and troughs.