This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: light, sandy soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: March to April
• Hardiness: fully hardy
• Bulb size: 5/6


A low growing tuberous perennial, 'Mr Fokker' is much-loved for its large, black-eyed, violet-blue flowers, which appear in spring over mounds of finely dissected foliage. The velvet-like petals form large open bowls, and gradually open out even further before they fall to create saucer-like plates. Anemones make charming cut flowers and look lovely at the front of a sunny border.


• Garden care: Soak the tubers overnight in cool water and plant them in naturalistic drifts (it doesn't matter which way up) 5cm deep and 15cm apart from September to November, or (for later flowers in spring), February to April. The corms of pot-grown plants will have been potted up in autumn, so while they may be showing some signs of top growth (depending upon what time of the year you buy them), they are unlikely to show any significant root growth. These potted plants can be enjoyed as they are while they bloom, but as the flowers fade, they should either be potted up or planted out in the garden. Avoid planting in soils that remain heavy and wet in winter and leave them undisturbed so they can spread to form large drifts. Feed with a balanced fertiliser and remove flowers as they fade. Do not be tempted to cut back or tidy the foliage after flowering, as this will interfere with the bulbs’ ability to store energy for the following year's flowers. Apply a generous layer of mulch in autumn.