Japanese Anemone
When choosing plants for a perennial border, it’s important to think about the timing of the blooms, as well as your local climate. In my “Zone 6” here in the U.S., we have summers that are hot and humid, and winters that are cold with lots of snow. When selecting perennials for my long border over two decades ago, I made sure to choose plants that were not only cold hardy, but also able to withstand the heat and humidity. To get the most enjoyment from your garden, you will also want to have various blooms and foliage at their peak throughout the spring, summer and into early autumn. Crocus, daffodils, and hyacinths make for excellent springtime bloomers. Then you move onto iris, peonies, purple coneflowers and rudbeckia – the “de rigueur” of late spring/early summer planting.
But what about end of summer and early fall? One of my favorites for this flowering time is the Japanese anemone (epithet hupehensis). This herbaceous perennial serves as the gorgeous, late-summer performer in my garden – beginning to bloom mid-August and continuing her end-of-summer performance as the last crescendo into the first frost.
I’ve long forgotten the exact variety, but the anemone in my garden has a single pink bloom with a large yellow center. When first planted, they sulk for a year or two; I suspect they’re busy underground during this time, seeding out roots far and wide. By year three, they begin popping up all over! I had originally planted them at the back of my border, but over time, they have migrated to the front. I tend to let them roam as they please, however, you will need to keep a close eye on your plant and tame it away from other plants. My anemone will creep up on the fully double David Austin rose bush in the middle of my border, so I have to beat it back each year.
As a big fan of single-petaled flowers, particularly certain types of roses (Betty Prior), peonies (Krinkled White) and daisies, the Japanese anemone quickly became a favorite. Its blowsy, pollen-filled center is not only pleasing to the eye, but an intense delight to bees and other pollinators. My neighbor keeps honey bees, and when the anemone begins to flower, it’s as if the entire hive can be seen dancing amongst the blooms, happily collecting their precious golden dust!
I simply love the movement and activity the anemone brings to my garden. If you have some space and are looking for a showy, late-flowering plant, consider adding the Japanese anemone to bring life and a touch of elegance to your autumn landscape.
Cheers,
Brad
epithet hupehensis