Cape Anemone Plant Care

Cape Anemone (Knowltonia capensis) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Knowltonia genus. Cape Anemone is native to the Cape and Kwazulu-Natal regions of South Africa.

Cape Anemone displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cape Anemone produces small, delicate white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cape Anemone every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cape Anemone thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Cape Anemone in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Knowltonia capensis tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Cape Anemone prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cape Anemone to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cape Anemone every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cape Anemone is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cape Anemone can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Cape Anemone while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Cape Anemone is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cape Anemone can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to knowltonia chilensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cape Anemone is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cape Anemone grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Cape Anemone is native to the Cape and Kwazulu-Natal regions of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Cape Anemone as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.