Plant guide: Anemone x hybrida
The perfect plant for reliable, fuss-free, late Summer colour.
The gorgeous Japanese anemone reliably blooms in August-September with a mass of white or pink flowers, held on rigid stems above a mound of deep green leaves. It’s pleasingly low-maintenance – as long as you choose the right spot, it will come back year after year with a profusion of blooms in return for very little attention at all…
Botanical name: Anemone x hybrida
Plant type: Perennial
Japanese anemones grow back year after year.
Growing conditions:
Perfect for a spot in part shade, though it copes happily with more sun. Japanese anemones are tall plants, so suit a position towards the back of a border. They look especially good grown en masse against a fence or wall, and are a popular choice for urban front gardens.
They’re tolerant of most soil types, but dislike being wet for long periods over Winter.
This is a plant that can grow fast and will reproduce quite happily, so choose a spot that it won’t outgrow too quickly…
How to plant:
You can find these easily available as potted plants in most garden centres and nurseries. They’re best planted in Spring or Autumn, when the plant isn’t in active growth. If planting in Autumn, wait until it has stopped flowering.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container size, and to the same depth. Gently release the plant from the pot, by squeezing the sides. Remove and place into the soil, making sure the top of the compost is in line with the top of the soil. Backfill and gently press into place. Water well.
Care:
A low maintenance plant, Japanese anemones can pretty much be left to get on with it! Water well for the first season after planting, especially throughout any hot Summer spells. Cut back in Autumn, after the last flowers have faded, to keep its size in check.
Grow with:
As the foliage of Japanese anemones emerges in late Spring, they are the perfect plant to pair with early flowering Spring bulbs, which will bloom before the Anemone really gets going. Daffodils, tulips and lily of the valley will all share space perfectly.
Uses:
Japanese anemones can be cut for flower arranging. They continue to grow and bloom after cutting, so cut stalks when the bud is just emerging and the flower will open fully in the vase. They don’t have a very long vase life, but once established, each plant creates a profusion of flowers, so fresh ones can be cut each week!
Our favourite varieties:
· Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ is a popular variety that has pure white flowers with yellow centres. It’s reliable and very long lasting.
‘Robustissima’ is a variety with delicate pale pink flowers, that look especially lovely in a vase.
