Anemone

Q. I am looking for a colorful companion to some early-spring flowering bulbs. A friend suggested the low-growing anemone.

A. Greek windflower (Anemone blanda), is an early-blooming, spreading perennial that works well as a colorful ground cover with spring bulbs. Hardy from zones 5 to 8, it prefers moist, partially shaded (and sheltered) conditions and will spread through runners and seed if planted in the right site. The attractive, fernlike foliage forms low mats, and the white, blue or pink flowers with yellow button centers resemble daisies. Both the spring bulbs and the windflower plants will die back after blooming, creating space in the garden bed for emerging warm-season perennials.