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The windflower can be a difficult flower to grow in Iowa. Although the soil conditions do not matter, sun, temperature, and moisture are all important factors in growing this frost-tender perennial. The best method I have found for successful blooming is to plant the tuberous roots in pots in early spring, keeping them in pots when you bring them outdoors. Although various sources state that you can dig up the root in fall for overwintering indoors, I have not had success with this method. I would recommend instead simply purchasing new roots each spring. Despite these drawbacks, windflowers are a stunning sight to behold and well worth the trouble. If you are looking for a plant that will dazzle you with its exotic beauty, the windflower is the plant for you.

Please note that the Zones listed above are USDA Hardiness Zones and are only given as a rough indication of whether a plant will grow and thrive in your area. Temperature variations and unusual weather conditions can affect plant survival. To assist plant survival during the winter, you may wish to place mulch over the areas in question or plant the flowers in an area away from walls or cement. Additionally, digging up bulbs and roots to overwinter indoors may be preferrable to keeping them in the ground.