Windflower

Anemone canadensis

American Beauties®

Native Windflower Spreads to Form Natural Groundcover with Minimal Maintenance
Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 1 ft Tall and Wide
Showy White Blooms From Late Summer to Late Fall
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$37⁰³

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Windflowers (Anemone) perform best in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of light daily. In hotter climates, afternoon shade is vital to prevent the foliage from scorching and to extend the life of the delicate blooms.
Soil: These plants crave rich, loamy soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay, mix in several inches of compost or aged bark to improve drainage, as sitting in wet soil during winter will cause the roots to rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Windflowers twice a week to ensure the root system anchors deeply into the soil. Once established, they are moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during the heat of summer will cause the plant to go dormant early or produce fewer flowers. Aim for a deep soak whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch to keep the foliage lush.

Pruning Tips

Windflowers generally bloom on new growth, so the best time to tidy them up is in late autumn after the first frost or in very early spring before new shoots emerge. Simply cut the dead stems back to the ground to make room for fresh foliage. This "spring cleaning" prevents old, tattered leaves from shading out new growth and helps keep the plant's mounded shape looking crisp.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a layer of rich compost in early spring just as the first leaves peek through the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages soft, leafy growth that is easily damaged by the coming winter cold. A simple organic mulch around the base will also provide a steady stream of nutrients as it breaks down naturally.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Groundcover, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1 ft
Width	1 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Anemone canadensis
Species	canadensis
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Windflower – A Charming Native Wildflower!

The Windflower (Anemone canadensis) is a hardy, spreading perennial with delicate white blossoms. Also known as Canada Anemones, Windflowers are a vigorous, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in meadows, woodland edges, and naturalized landscapes!

With its graceful, white cup-shaped flowers blooming in late spring to early summer, this native wildflower adds delicate beauty and ecological value to any garden! The heavily lobed and pointed leaves are the perfect backdrop to the dainty white Buttercup-like blossoms!

Its ability to spread and form lush groundcover - due to politely spreading rhizomes - makes it an excellent choice for erosion control and wildlife-friendly plantings!

Key Features of Windflower

Elegant White Blooms – Pure white, five-petaled flowers with golden centers appear in late spring to early summer.
Spreading Ground Cover – Underground rhizomes form dense, green foliage mats that suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.
Native & Pollinator-Friendly – Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects while supporting native ecosystems.
Deer and Rabbit Resistant – Unpalatable to deer and rabbits, making it ideal for naturalized landscapes.
Thrives in Various Conditions – Adaptable to moist or dry soils, performing well in woodland gardens, meadows, and stream banks.
Cold Hardy & Resilient – Tolerating harsh winters and variable climates.
Low Maintenance – Once established, requires little care and naturalizes easily.

Landscaping with Windflower

This hardy, spreading perennial is ideal for various garden settings:

Ground Cover for Naturalized Areas – Forms a lush, low-growing carpet in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands.
Erosion Control – Perfect for stabilizing riverbanks, slopes, and wetland edges.
Pollinator & Wildlife Gardens – Provides nectar for bees and butterflies while offering shelter for small wildlife.
Shade & Woodland Gardens – Thrives under dappled light, adding texture and seasonal blooms.
Companion Planting – Blends beautifully with Ferns, Wild Geraniums, and other native perennials. Especially good for New England and Eastern US climates.
Low-Maintenance Borders – Works well along walkways, fences, and shaded garden edges.

Windflower Care & Maintenance

Once established, this hardy rhizomatous perennial requires minimal care!

Care Guide & Tips

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade; performs well in woodland settings.
Soil: Grows best in moist, well-draining soil, though it adapts to drier conditions once established.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture in its first year; becomes drought-tolerant over time.
Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
Pruning: Cut back spent foliage in fall to encourage fresh spring growth.
Fertilizing: Generally not needed; thrives in nutrient-rich, organic soil.
Spreading Control: Can spread aggressively; divide plants every few years if containment is needed.

Add A Natural, Flowing Beauty To Your Garden

The Windflower is a resilient and beautiful native plant, offering delicate white blooms, lush ground cover, and valuable support for pollinators. Whether used for erosion control, naturalized plantings, or woodland gardens, this low-maintenance, deer-resistant wildflower brings timeless charm and ecological benefits to any landscape.

Order yours at Nature Hills Online Plant Nursery today and enjoy a flourishing, pollinator-friendly garden year after year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil do Windflowers need, and how should I amend it for best drainage?

Windflowers adapt to both moist and dry soils, making them remarkably versatile for various garden conditions. They naturally thrive in woodland settings and along stream banks without special soil amendments. For heavy clay soils, simply work in some compost to improve structure and prevent waterlogging.

How deep and far apart should I plant Windflower corms or bulbs?

Plant Windflower rhizomes 2-3 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart in late fall or early spring. These spreading perennials will naturally fill in gaps through their underground rhizome system. Space them generously since they form dense groundcover mats over time.

Do I need to soak Windflower corms in water before planting, and for how long?

Windflower (Anemone canadensis) is typically sold as live plants or divisions rather than corms, as this native perennial spreads via underground rhizomes. If you do have corms, a brief 2-4 hour soak in lukewarm water can help rehydrate them before planting. Plant in spring after frost danger passes for best establishment.

What care is required over winter, like mulching or chill periods?

Windflower requires no special winter care thanks to its exceptional cold hardiness and resilience. This native perennial naturally tolerates harsh winters and variable climates without protection. Simply let the foliage die back naturally in fall and avoid disturbing the spreading rhizomes.

How are Windflowers shipped—dry corms, potted, or hydrated—and what should they look like on arrival?

Windflowers ship as live potted plants from Nature Hills, not as dry corms. Expect healthy green foliage and well-developed root systems upon arrival. Plant immediately or keep watered until planting to maintain vigor.

Are the Windflower corms or bulbs firm and viable when checking before buying?

Windflowers (Anemone canadensis) grow from underground rhizomes, not corms or bulbs. These spreading root systems should feel firm and show white, healthy tissue when inspected. Look for rhizomes with visible growing points and avoid any that feel soft or appear dried out.

Windflower

Anemone canadensis