Anemone nemorosa 'Allenii'

An old and highly esteemed cultivar of the wood anemone, selected at the end of the 19th century and named in tribute to James Allen, a horticulturist from Shepton Mallet in Somerset, who passionately dedicated himself to the selection of woodland anemones and introduced several remarkable forms. A cultivar still much sought after and considered by many as one of the most beautiful representatives of the species.

Distinguished by its flowers of a size significantly larger than the wild form, reaching 4 to 5 cm in diameter, composed of 6 to 9 wide and rounded tepals of a soft and deep lilac-blue, washed with mauve and silvery reflections, more intense on the reverse where the hue turns to a strong blue-violet. The contrast between the front and back of the tepals produces a changing and pearly effect depending on the orientation of the light, particularly noticeable in filtered undergrowth. Center of pale yellow stamens enhancing the cool hue of the tepals.

Bright green, slightly bronzed trifoliate foliage at emergence. Creeping rhizome gradually developing into colonies. Blooming from March to April. Same cultural requirements as the species: cool, humus-rich, well-drained soil, in shaded or semi-shaded locations, ideally under deciduous trees. Readily naturalizes under appropriate conditions. Recommended association with other spring geophytes — Erythronium , Galanthus , Scilla — and emerging ferns.