Perennial
Japanese anemone
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowers | Flowers in August | Flowers in September | Flowers in October | |||||||||
| Plant | Plant in March | Plant in April | Plant in May | |||||||||
| Prune | Prune in February | Prune in November | ||||||||||
| Looks good | Looks good in August | Looks good in September | Looks good in October |
Overview
Japanese anemones carry simple, saucer-shaped flowers in white or pink with a boss of golden stamens on tall, wiry stems from late summer into autumn, just as many borders are fading. Despite the name, the garden plants are mostly hybrids of Chinese species. Look for the elegant white 'Honorine Jobert', the pink 'September Charm', and the compact Fantasy and Swan series, which are shorter and better behaved in small gardens.
Where to grow japanese anemone
They tolerate a wide range of conditions, from sun to fairly deep shade and from clay to chalk, but flower best in part shade with moisture-retentive soil. Use them at the back of a border, under trees, or to fill a difficult shady bed. Avoid tucking them among delicate neighbours, as established clumps spread by creeping roots.
Planting
Spring is the best time, as autumn-planted anemones can struggle to establish before winter. Space them 45–60 cm apart and water regularly in the first season. Do not worry if young plants sulk; they often take a year or two to get going.
Care through the year
Spring
Mulch with compost and protect new shoots from slugs.
Summer
Water in dry spells; drought makes leaves brown and reduces flowers. Tall varieties may need a few canes on windy sites.
Autumn
Enjoy the flowers until frost, then fluffy seed heads follow.
Winter
Cut old stems down once they die back, or leave them until late winter.
Pruning
No pruning is needed beyond removing dead stems in late autumn or winter.
Propagation
Root cuttings taken in winter are the most reliable method: lift a few pencil-thick roots, cut them into 5 cm lengths and lay them on gritty compost. Clumps can also be divided in spring, though older plants resent disturbance.
Common problems
Mostly healthy. Slugs damage young growth, and leaf spot or powdery mildew may appear in late summer. Spreading too far is more common than disease; dig out wandering roots each spring to keep clumps in check.
Something else wrong? Diagnose it by symptom.
Month-by-month reminders
Jobs for this plant come round in February, March, April, May and November. Each month page lists everything else worth doing in the garden at the same time.
Related plants
Sources
Botanical names follow Kew's Plants of the World Online; growing attributes were checked against the references below. Text is our own. See our editorial policy.