Elfin Swan™ Hybrid Anemone

Elfin Swan™ is the compact member of the Swan series, bred by Elizabeth and Alasdair MacGregor. It produces single white flowers with blue-violet markings on the backs of the tepals, above green foliage, and flowers over a long summer-to-autumn season. ## Appearance and placement The breeder describes it as a good clump former about 50 cm tall; the U.S. plant patent records trial measurements of roughly 50–60 cm tall and 56.5 cm wide. The catalog's current height label is shorter than these cultivar-specific measurements, so a 20–24 inch label is proposed while retaining the existing metric height value at the reported lower bound. Its compact habit suits the front or middle of a border and smaller gardens. [Elizabeth MacGregor Nursery](https://elizabethmacgregornursery.co.uk/shop/index.php?page=3) lists the Swan cultivar and bloom details; [Pride of Place Plants](https://prideofplaceplants.com/anemone-elfin-swan/) corroborates Macane017, the white flowers with violet-blue backs, June-to-autumn flowering, and 16–18 inch trade size. ## Growing conditions Grow in fertile soil that remains evenly moist but drains freely. Full sun or partial shade is suitable; afternoon shade can help where summer heat dries soil quickly. The patent records a compact growth habit, moderate growth rate, and adaptation to USDA Zones 4–9 under its trial conditions. The cultivar is identified as U.S. plant patent PP 30,496; the patent record here verifies the cultivar and number, not current legal status. ## Maintenance Water through establishment and during dry spells. Let the clump fill its allotted space, then divide it in early spring if it becomes crowded. Remove old flowering stems after the display and clear dead foliage before fresh growth resumes.