General gardening topics

How to grow Japanese Anemones

Last updated on April 3rd, 2022

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If you want to have a late summer flowering garden, Japanese Anemones are a great addition. The flowers are held up on wiry stems and can be found in a variety of colours including pink, lavender, and white. You can find single or double flowers, all of which have yellow centres. They’ve been nicknamed the ‘Windflower’ because of how easily they dance in the wind.

These particular flowers differ from bulbing Anemones that otherwise bloom in spring. The Japanese Anemone is a perennial that flowers in the autumn so you can enjoy a range of colour at the end of summer, as long as you have an area that has moist soil with partial sun.

Native to China, these flowers were heavily cultivated in Japanese Gardens where they were seen first by European explorers during the 17th century. The late summer flowers and the dark green foliage that danced with the wind made them particularly attractive. They grow well in full sun or partial shade and can be quite tall so they will fill up the back of a layered space effectively. They spread via rhizomes but, you can remove errant plants easily in the spring.

Anemone WILD SWAN 'Macane001': garden tested, hardy perennial plant supplied in a half litre pot Anemone Wild Swan – Available from Amazon.co.uk


Where to Plant Japanese Anemones

If you live in a colder area, you should plant your Japanese Anemones close to a structure such as a fence or a wall, or a house so that they have extra protection against the winter weather. They make great perennials to plant along the border of your home or outdoor shed. If you don’t have such a space available you can grow them in a large container suitable to the size of the root system (once fully established) and place them in areas like patios or balconies where they still get that added protection thanks to the structures around the containers. 

Anemone Japonica Queen Charlotte Plant in 17cm Pot. WindflowerAnemone Japonica Queen Charlotte


When to Plant

You should plant new Japanese Anemones in the spring once there is no longer a risk of frost. The roots don’t like to dry out so you need to make sure wherever you plant them they will be able to stay moist, something you can provide with a little extra mulch. They do best with humus-rich soil and a mixture of compost. If you are planting more than one, space them out approximately 1/2 metre from one another because they do quickly fill out and area.

They prefer moist well-drained soil

As long as the soil is well-drained and stays moist, Japanese Anemones are quite forgiving. This means you don’t need to go out of your way to test the pH level or amend slightly sandy or clay-like soil. However, you still need to give them some regular care no matter the soil type. 


Maintaining Japanese Anemones

Firstly, they will need compost in the spring. Secondly, to help with moisture retention and to prevent weeds from taking over you should add bark mulch every season around the base of the plant.

Image credit – shutterstock.com

Support taller varieties with canes

Some varieties of Japanese Anemones can grow to over one metre in height and if you have the double-flowered varieties you might need to add some canes or some sort of support to prevent them from falling over.

Dividing plants

They will spread runners underground so after the first few years, you can divide an existing plant and transplant them elsewhere. To do this dig up the entire plant at the beginning of spring, divide them into fist-sized new plants, and replant them in similar conditions.

Learn more about dividing Japanese Anemones in this guide here

Winter care

In the winter, when the frost has killed the plants, you can cut them back to ground level and add compost over the top. Rest assured, they will come back in the spring just fine.

They do best when you grow them in groups and give them room to spread. They will also attract butterflies so you can add them to a wildlife garden or other woodland area where they can be allowed to spread naturally. If you need to pair them with other plants to fill the garden space, you can choose from ornamental grasses, hosta, and even monkshood, just to name a few.


Recommended Varieties

  • If you want a white coloured variety that is an heirloom flower, “Honorine Jobert” is best. 
  • If you want a double, rose-pink variety, choose “Bressingham Glow”.
  • For more limited space, there is a white variety that is slightly smaller called “Whirlwind”.
  • If you want a touch of lavender, you can grow the “Kriemhilde”.
  • For pink, semi-double flowers, try “Max Vogel”.
Bestseller No. 1
YouGarden Hardy Japanese Anemone Collection, Set of 3 Established Plants, 9cm Pots, Long-Flowering, Pollinator-Friendly. Japanese Anemone Plants UK. Perennial Ready to Plant
  • LATE-SEASON COLOUR AND HEIGHT: Enjoy a spectacular floral display from August to October, with three Hardy Japanese Anemone, producing elegant, semi-double blooms in white and pale pink.
  • POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY AND WILDLIFE BOOSTING: Japanese Anemones are a late-season lifeline for pollinators, offering vital nectar when other flowers have faded. Bees and butterflies are drawn to their delicate, open blooms, helping to support biodiversity. Their long flowering period and robust growth make them a valuable choice for wildlife-friendly gardening, ensuring a buzzing, thriving space well into autumn.
  • LOW-MAINTENANCE AND EASY TO GROW: These hardy perennials thrive in light shade, adapting to sun with watering. They prefer moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Once established, they spread naturally, forming attractive clumps that return bigger and better each year. Occasional division in early spring keeps them at their best, but otherwise, they require minimal care.
  • DETAILS: Supplied as a set of three established plants in 9cm pots, ready to plant upon arrival. Water thoroughly before planting and position in borders, beds, or containers with well-prepared soil. For the best display, allow space for them to spread naturally over time.
  • ABOUT US: At YouGarden, we believe that gardening is for everyone. Based in rural Lincolnshire we have our own 11 acre nursery, meaning that we are in close contact with our plants, so that we can guarantee our plants will thrive because we've grown them ourselves. We also source product locally, nationally and internationally to ensure we give our customers the best range, highest quality and greatest value for money. All our products will arrive in nursery fresh condition.
Bestseller No. 2
Anemone Japanese Tomentosa 'Serenade' Perennial XXL Supersize Plug Plants Pack x3
  • This anemone grows in sun or shade
  • Perennial
  • Pack of three XXL supersize plug plants ( over 50mm rootbase)
Bestseller No. 3
Anemone Plant Honorine Jobert - Japanese Anemone | Deciduous Garden Perennial (20-30cm Incl. Pot)
  • Latin Name: Anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert'
  • Common Name: Japanese anemone 'Honorine Jobert'
  • Characteristics: Deciduous perennial, white flowers with bright yellow stamens, blooms from late summer to early autumn, hardy
  • Plant Advice: Your new Anemone Honorine Jobert will thrive when situated in full sun or partial shade. Flourishes best in moist but well drained soil and its robust nature is ideal for both exposed and sheltered areas. Cut back in late autumn and provide mulch cover over the winter to keep the plant healthy and looking its best.
Bestseller No. 4
Anemone Plant Fantasy Red Riding Hood Japanese Anemone | Deciduous Perennial (20-30cm Incl. Pot)
  • Latin Name: Anemone hupehensis 'Fantasy Red Riding Hood'
  • Common Name: Japanese Anemone 'Fantasy Red Riding Hood'
  • Characteristics: Deciduous perennial, pink flowers, blooms from late summer to early autumn, relatively hardy
  • Plant Advice: Your new Anemone Fantasy Red Riding Hood will thrive when situated in full sun or partial shade. Flourishes best in moist but well drained soil and its robust nature is ideal for both exposed and sheltered areas. Cut back in late autumn and provide mulch cover over the winter to keep the plant healthy and looking its best.
Bestseller No. 5
Plant Theory Konigin Charlotte Japanese Anemone Perennials Flowering Plants 2L Pot
  • Low-Maintenance Gardening: Enjoy more beauty with less work! Our perennials thrive with minimal care, boasting deep root systems for efficient water and nutrient absorption. Perfect for the time-savvy gardener!
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  • Soil Savior Plants: Enhance your garden's foundation with our perennials. Their deep roots improve soil health, prevent erosion, and promote moisture retention, paving the way for a thriving garden ecosystem.
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  • Originating from our Berkshire-based nursery, established in 2000, we take pride in cultivating UK-grown plants with unmatched quality and dedication. Our expertise and passion have consistently illuminated the show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show annually since our inception, earning us over 30 prestigious gold medals in recognition of our exceptional plant standards.
Bestseller No. 6
Anemone Plant - Fantasy Jasmine | Deciduous Flowering Outdoor Garden Perennial (20-30cm Incl. Pot)
  • Latin Name: Anemone hupehensis 'Fantasy Jasmine'
  • Common Name: Japanese Anemone 'Fantasy Jasmine'
  • Characteristics: Deciduous perennial, pink flowers, blooms from late summer to early autumn, relatively hardy, easy to grow
  • Plant Advice: Your new Anemone Fantasy Jasmine will thrive when situated in full sun or partial shade. Flourishes best in moist but well drained soil and its robust nature is ideal for both exposed and sheltered areas. Cut back in late autumn and provide mulch cover over the winter to keep the plant healthy and looking its best.
Bestseller No. 7
plugplants.net Anemone Japanese × Hybrida 'Honorine Jobert' Perennial XXL Supersize Plug Plants Pack x3
  • Height; 120cm
  • Pack of three XXL supersize plug plants ( over 50mm rootbase)
  • A fabulous plant for brightening up the garden in late summer
Bestseller No. 8
Anemone Wild Swan White Flowering Perennial Plants Outdoor Garden Plant in Pot (15-30cm Incl. Pot)
  • Characteristics: An exciting new Anemone variety, this herbaceous perennial flowers intermittently from May to November. The white petals have grey-blue streaks on their underside which give them a bluish tint when half closed.
  • Growth and Spread: Can reach an ultimate height and spread of 40 - 60cm.
  • Period of Interest: White and blue tinged flowers bloom intermittently from May to November.
  • Water and Maintenance: Plant in full sun or partial shade. The Anemone requires a moist, fertile, humus rich soil. Keep the soil moist and do not let it dry out!
Bestseller No. 9
Anemone hupehensis 'Japanese Anemone' 15 Seeds, Japanese Windflower
  • Tall-growing Japanese Anemone with rose or mauve flowers. 3-4 ft tall
  • Easy to grow plants bloom from August to October and are winter hardy to zone 4.
  • Sow seeds in cell packs or 2 in. pots, press into soil and barely cover. Kept at 60-65° F., germination is usually within 4-5 weeks. If not, put pot inside a zip-lock bag and place in refrigerator for 3 weeks. Remove container and return to 60-65°F. to germinate.
Bestseller No. 10
Anemone Whirlwind Windflower Herbaceous Perennial White Flowering Outdoor Plant (10-20cm Incl. Pot)
  • Characteristics: Mound forming, suckering herbaceous perennial shrub with dark green foliage and stems carrying white, semi-double flowers from Summer.
  • Growth & Spread: Ultimate height of 0.5 – 1m and spread of 0.1 – 0.5m.
  • Period of Interest: Summer and Autumn interest. Slender stems bearing medium-sized, semi-double blooms of pure white with curled petals and yellow centre stamen which appear from late Summer through to the Autumn.
  • Water & Maintenance: Plant in humus-rich, moderately moist, well-drained soils. Keep in full or partial sun. Frost and wind protection recommended. Avoid heavy soils and excessive wet, especially during Winter.

Image credits – shutterstock.com

Last update on 2025-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Welcome to my site, my name is John and I have been lucky enough to work in horticultural nurseries for over 15 years in the UK. As the founder and editor as well as researcher, I have a City & Guilds Horticultural Qualifications which I proudly display on our About us page. I now work full time on this website where I review the very best gardening products and tools and write reliable gardening guides. Behind this site is an actual real person who has worked and has experience with the types of products we review as well as years of knowledge on the topics we cover from actual experience. You can reach out to me at john@pyracantha.co.uk

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