I can well recall when I first saw the SBEC introduction of Anemone trullifolia collected by Bob Mitchell and Roy Lancaster from that “El Dorado” for exciting alpine plants, Yunnan, China. It formed a vigorous planting in the acid-loving beds at the RBG in Edinburgh. The flower colour was fairly predominantly powder blue with a few whites. This species proved to be one of the finest introductions and today, there have been some highly superior cultivars raised, perhaps the best was raised by Elizabeth MacGregor (Kirkcudbright) named  A. trullifolia ‘Indigo’.

Several decades ago now, I had no expectation of a yellow-flowering form being introduced. In fact this variant had been discovered in 1914 by the great plant hunting pioneer, Handel-Mazzettii in the Yalong district, SW China. I suspect that there are some very fine forms of this species still to be discovered and subsequently introduced. A friend of mine had the good foresight to collect a pinch of fresh seed when trekking in Tibet and introduced this yellow-flowering variant which I offered whilst running Edrom Nurseries. It shows a differing habit to the more vigorous species, being slight of growth and having foliage of a softer, lime-green colour. A very fine form it most certainly is and I will try and re-establish it and see if it will cross with its parents! It is very easily raised from seed which should be collected when still green. Test it for ripeness by gently rubbing the seed follicles from its seating, if it comes away easily it is ripe. It should be sown at once and give the seed a generous covering of coarse, washed sand or chick grit.

This plant will become more widely available and can be purchased from specialist alpine plant nurseries.