Japanese anemone and related hybrids are late summer and fall blooming perennials. Bold mounds of leaves with upright, airy stems reach 2 to 3 feet high, each with 2 1/2 inch wide circular flowers in white, pink, or mauve. Flowers can be single, double, or semi-double and add great late season color to the garden.
Size:
Large, rounded mounds of foliage topped by branching, wiry flower stems reaching 2 to 4 feet high and 2 feet wide.
Native geographic location and habitat:
Japanese anemone is native to western and central China. Some species are of hybrid origin.
Attracts birds and pollinators:
Butterflies and bees are attracted to this plant.
Leaf description:
The clumps of dark green, basal foliage have long petioles. Each leaf is three-parted with toothed margins.
Flower description:
Upright, wiry, branching stems hold single, double, or semi-double flowers, each 2 to 21/2 inches in diameter. Colors vary by hybrid but can be bright white, pink, or mauve. The center of each flower has a ring of yellow stamens. Flowers bloom in late summer and extend into autumn. They are good for cutting.
Fruit description:
The fruit is an achene.
Plant care:
Japanese anemone does best in part shade in well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil. It prefers morning light and afternoon shade. Supplement with water in summer drought. Plants benefit with a thin layer of mulch, especially in colder climates. Cut back flower stalks in late season to tidy up the garden. This plant can be an aggressive spreader once established.
List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:
Japanese beetles can be a problem. They are resistant to deer and rabbit damage.
September Charm Hubei anemone (Anemone hupehensis ‘September Charm’):
A single-flowered cultivar reaching 2 to 3 feet high and wide. Its five rounded petals are rose pink with yellow centers.
Cinderella Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida ‘Cinderella’):
This cultivar reaches 12 to 18 inches high by 18 to 24 inches wide with rose-pink flowers with yellow centers.
Honorine Jobert Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’):
A 3 to 4 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide cultivar with single white flowers.
Party Dress Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida ‘Party Dress’):
A double-petaled darker pink flower distinguishes this form.
Whirlwind Japanese anemone (Anemone x hybrida ‘Whirlwind’):
A 2 to 3 feet high and wide plant with up to 25 white, narrow quilled petals.
