Can I grow Anemones De Caen and Ranunculus Asiaticus here?

Last year I planted Anemones De Caen and Ranunculus Asiaticus but they never came up! They sell them in the garden store here in the fall so I assume I can plant them in my zone. This year I am going to soak them before planting in case that's the problem. Has anyone else in my zone planted these bulbs in the Fall successfully? I also wanted to pot a few of them for bloom indoors. How do I force them?

Most sources list Anemone coronaria as hardy to zone 7 or 8, but I've had luck with them in a protected spot before. The corms can be stored in a cool place and planted in early spring too. Ranunculus are less hardy and are doubtful to survive winters even this far north. I've never even had luck starting them in spring; they like cool weather and about the time they start blooming, it gets hot here and they fry. We've got a greenhouse going up, and I may try them again in the winter and maybe set the blooming plants out in spring. They're so pretty and usually pretty cheap, so its worth experimenting :-)

Pentas -

I had the exact same experience. Local nursery sold 'em and they weren't
hardy here.

You can save them to plant in Mar and get bloom one year at least.

I've had them come back a second year here in NE PA. We're zone 6b -
perhaps a bit warmer than you. If you really want to have them, put them
against a big rock or masonary with good southern exposure (ie. a nice warm
microclimate).

Tam

Well I soaked them and then planted most of them in the garden. This time I chose a southern facing wall that is a bit protected too by a 3 foot room extension. If they don't work there then I don't think they'll work anywhere. Last year we got one nice flower from the anemones and a lot of fernlike folliage. Nothing - zip from the Ranunculus. I also planted some of each in pots for indoors this year. I can't figure out if I should be chilling the pots or not. Still working on it. It's a shame because I absolutely love Ranunculus in particular!

I think soaking is helpful for ranunculus too. Aren't those little roots kinda gross looking? They remind me of some kind of animal's paw with claws. Well,..anemones are kind of nasty looking too, like something out of the litter box, LOL.

Have you tried Anemone blanda? Not quite the same, but pretty, and hardy. They tend to look scant the first spring, but really fill in as they increase.

I have anemone blanda in a protected spot. Its the only anemone I can winter over.

Just because the garden centres sell them doesnt mean they are hardy for whatever zone you are in!

No kiddin fancyvan grrrrrrrrrr!

Gemini - I completely agree about the strange look of the ranunculus and anemones! That's funny you say that. When I soaked them, I was kind of freaked out to put my hand in the water to pick up a Ranunculus! I knew it was not alive but it looked like a gross ugly spider or something. Yuck! Those anemones are crazy. Even after soaking I couldn't figure up from down or recognize the eyes! Something in the cat litter - good description! LOL

Is the Anemone Blanda the same as a Grecian Windflower? I tried to grow that last year but nothing came up in the spring!

Yep, Grecian windflowers are A.blanda. Keep an eye out next spring, I believe I heard they sometimes don't show the first spring.

I love A. Blanda. They are totally hardy here & as dahlianut points out, even in colder
zones than you Pentas. Mine have lightly self seeded under my dogwood trees. Lovely.