Anemone nemorosa Green Fingers

Anemone nemorosa Green Fingers, like all Wood Anemones, thrives in the damp shade of the forest floor where it blooms in spring. This rare and unusual variety possesses a unique morphological trait in its flower, which adds to its appeal. Its flowers, varying in appearance, consist of a corolla of white petals with purple reverses, surrounding a small tuft of mossy greenery, similar to its finely cut foliage, with a few pink petals mixed in. This low-growing variety is ideal as groundcover, especially in shaded areas. Although it may take some time to establish, it will eventually form interwoven rhizome carpets that no weed can infiltrate. A gift from nature!

Anemone nemorosa 'Green Fingers' belongs to the family of Ranunculaceae. While it is a form derived from the European Wood Anemone, some authors seem inclined to consider this strange anemone as a distinct subspecies or a spontaneous mutation. This small plant forms a cushion that reaches a height of 15 cm (6in) and spreads over 20 cm (8in) or more. It produces unbranched vertical stems that bear three finely cut whorled bracts and a single flower in their centre, measuring 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. The flower has six oval-shaped tepals (sepal-like petals), white on the inside and violet on the outside, while the centre of the flower is occupied by transformed stamens that resemble swollen, digitate foliage. The throat also contains a pistil and a few yellow stamens. The flower opens towards the light and follows the direction of the sun. It closes in the evening or during rain, gracefully tilting to the side to avoid damage from water. All the flowers are oriented in the same way, creating a particularly harmonious carpet. The rhizome of the 'Green Fingers' wood anemone is fleshy and brittle, growing only 3 centimeters (1 inches) per year. It runs just below the soil surface. After flowering, it produces numerous slightly hairy three-leaflet leaves. The flower does not occupy the same position year after year, as it moves along with its rhizome.

Wood Anemone 'Green Fingers' is primarily a woodland plant. It can be used as such at the base of hedges, shrubs, and deciduous trees. Pair it with Anemone blanda, which blooms after it and requires the same growing conditions. In nature, the Wood Anemone develops and blooms in spring, when the trees are still leafless. It completes its vegetative cycle in summer when its leaves disappear, entering a period of dormancy. This is the best time to plant it under a tree or to dress the base of hedges. It is not affected by competition from the roots of trees and shrubs.

In temperate European forest zones, where it occurs naturally, it is considered (along with Lily of the Valley) a good indicator of the age and naturalness of the forest. Anemone nemorosa and its cultivars are plants used in phytotherapy and aromatherapy.

The Wood Anemone is supplied as a rhizome section packaged in a compost pouch.