Is Pacific Windflower good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Pacific Windflower is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Pacific Windflower?

Space Pacific Windflower about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Pacific Windflower hardy on the Front Range?

Pacific Windflower is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Pacific Windflower need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

How long does Pacific Windflower bloom?

Pacific Windflower blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Pacific Windflower

Anemone multifida

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Pacific Windflower (Anemone multifida) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8 to 12 in tall and 8 to 12 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Native rocky-soil perennial; pale flowers with prominent yellow center; fluffy seedheads.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water8 to 12 in tall and 8 to 12 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: "Anemone multifida" by mmmavocado is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
Photo 2: Walter Siegmund (talk)
Photo 3: "Anemone multifida" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
Photo 4: "Cut-leaved anemone (Anemone multifida)" by YellowstoneNPS is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/.
Photo 5: JW Stockert, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
Photo 6: "Anemone multifida (3288948549)" by Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 8
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 8 to 12 in tall and 8 to 12 in wide
Planting spacing: ~8 to 12 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring, early summer
Bloom color: cream, pink
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: foothills

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pacific Windflower good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Pacific Windflower is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Pacific Windflower get?: It matures to about 8 to 12 in tall and 8 to 12 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Pacific Windflower?: Space Pacific Windflower about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Pacific Windflower hardy on the Front Range?: Pacific Windflower is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Pacific Windflower need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
Is Pacific Windflower native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
How long does Pacific Windflower bloom?: Pacific Windflower blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.