anemones in zone 5b

Hello,
I just purchased some anemones from a bulb distributer, and they had listed their hardiness to zone 5, but when I looked the plants up on this website, and on other websites they list the hardiness only to zone 6 or 7. I've purchased poppy anemones or anemone coronaria, 'Mr. Fokker', 'The Bride', and 'lord lieutenant'. Has anyone successfully grown these plants in my zone? Do you think I should try it with heavy mulch, or should I contact the company now and try to get my money back?

Check out these links http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/bulbs/msg0901423031350.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_5183608_plant-coronaria.html

These may help you decide what you want to do. Return them, hold them for spring, pot them up or plant the outside.

I just purchased De Caen Anemones but plan to plant them in containers in February or early March. I live in Zone 6B and have attempted to plant them outdoors in the fall for flowers the following year using a fairly heavy mulch with no success. I also have friends who attempted this with no success either. I would not hold out much hope for them in Zone 5. I am also going to plant some
directly in the ground next spring but from what I can determine it will take them approx. 14-16 weeks to bloom. I have asked for an opinion on Container planting of Anemones but no response to date.

Rats, I just planted some bulbs here (ground) and the packaging said they were okay in my zone. I have them heavily mulched for next spring ... guess I'll take my chances.

I would be interested in hearing how you made out with this planting. I spoke to another gardener here in Rhode Island and he told me he planted his anemones facing south close to his house's foundation ( a full foundation) and mulched. He felt all survived the winter, 6B. The theory is that the foundation gives off just enough ambient heat to carry them through. I do not have a suitable area to prepare a bed to try this but will dig up a small southern facing area just out of curiosity.

Cyclops. Planting at the south side against the foundation can give you almost a zone's difference in temperature....add mulch and frost protection and it should work quite well.

Thanks you for that Themoonowl. It is going up to 70 degrees here tomorrow so I will fire up the shovel and rake and give it a try.

Good on you. Good luck.

Thanks so much for all of your opinions and thoughts. I've decided to plant them in a few different sheltered places and see what happens. Wish me luck!

Good luck, Carrie. Hope you are rewarded with a ton of beautiful blooms in the spring.