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
You Garden - Hardy Japanese Anemone Perennial Plant Collection 3 Colours in 9cm Pots
  • These stunning plants will light up your garden with breath-taking late displays!
  • Perfect for beds and borders, they'll produce an abundance of large, pretty flowers.
  • Each will rise up from the attractive foliage and open up to show elegant, satin-like petals.
  • Varieties included 1 each of : Whirlwind, Prinz Heinrich AGM & Queen Charlotte AGM.
  • Supplied as a pack of 3 potted plants in 9cm pots. Flowers: August-October Height/Spread: 1.2m (4ft)
Bestseller No. 2
Hayloft Anemone 'September Charm'| Japanese Anemone Plant|Fully Hardy Perennial | Pink Flowers| 1 x 9cm Pot
  • FLOWER - The Pink Wavey large flowers will delight your garden from July to November
  • LOW MAINTENANCE - The Anemone is happy in sun or part shade and are happy in almost any soil type, so perfect for beginner gardeners
  • CUTTING - Why not bring them into your home for any arrangement as the Anemone is suitable for cutting
  • FULLY HARDY PERENNIAL -There extreme hardiness will withstand temperatures of -15 °C, so there is no need to worry during the winter months
  • NO QUIBBLE - If for any reason you are not delighted with your purchase, please do not worry as we are always happy to replace or refund the cost of your plants. All that we ask is that you let us know how we can improve for future orders.
Bestseller No. 3
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. 4
20x Anemone Coronaria The Bride White Spring Summer Flowering Corms Garden De Caen Perennial Flower Plant Bulbs Size 5/6
  • Pack of 20 corms that produces beautiful white single stemmed Poppy like flowers
  • Perfect for planting in the borders or as part of a rockery display. Hardy perennial. Excellent naturalising plant, easy to grow, will multiply well and back each year
  • Can be planted in autumn for flowering in April-June or in spring for flowering in June-August. Prefers a sunny position and look great in large groups.
  • Also known as the Poppy Anemone. Full grown height 20-25cm.
  • You will receive pack of 20 quality corms size 5/6 in recyclable packaging with detailed instructions included
Bestseller No. 5
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. 6
20 x Anemone St. Brigid Mount Everest – Snowy White Blooms – Perennial – Summer Flowering Bulbs – for Your Beautiful Garden
  • WHEN TO PLANT: Plant between February to May or September to December and flowers will Bloom in May to September. HEIGHT 25cm Bring the snow in your garden this summer. These are WINTER PLANTING BULBS – READY for BLOOM in SUMMER. This kind of cultivation is relaxed and stress-free for both gardening experts and beginners - PLEASE READ FULL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION BEFORE PURCHASE
  • HOW TO PLANT: Simply plant the bulbs 7cm deep and 7cm apart and wait for these beautiful blooms to make a show. SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Anemone prefers fertile, hummus rich and well-drained soil. They do not like cold, exposed or waterlogged conditions. Avoid planting in freshly manured soils. If your soil is heavy/ clay add grit to improve drainage. SUN-LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Full sun / Dappled Shade.
  • CONTENTS: 20 x Anemone St. Brigid Mount Everest. COMMON NAME: Anemone St. Brigid Mount Everest. Bulb Size 5/6. Bulbs grown from cultivated stock.
  • CREATE A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN: Get rewarded with a unique statement in your garden by choosing to go GROW MY OWN. Anemone Mount Everest is a classic snow white, double flowering anemone in the St. Bridgid range. Reaching a mature height of 30-40cm, it has a clump-forming habit, making it ideal for beds, borders and rockeries, as well as patio containers.
  • GUARANTEE: These bulbs you receive from us should reach you in the best condition and be of top quality. We have worked with our suppliers for many years to guarantee this. We know how annoying it is if you plant something and wait eagerly for it to flower, only to find that it’s the wrong colour or form. The bulbs you’ll get from us will be first class and healthy – GUARANTEED
Bestseller No. 7
Plant World Seeds - Anemone Tomentosa Seeds (Perennial Flower Seeds)
  • Genuine Plant World Seeds branded packets supplied direct from Plant World Seeds UK
  • Common Name: Grape leaf Anemone
  • Height: 1.0-1.5m
  • Packet content (approximately): 500
  • This lovely Chinese species gives a valuable late summer and autumn display of large rose pink flowers in profuse clusters on long stalks, which make perfect cut flowers. Clouds of decorative woolly seed pods remain on the plant until shredded by the winter storms.
Bestseller No. 8
Anemone Nemerosa "Wood Anemone" 6/7cm X20 Bulbs - Ready for Planting Now - Flowering Corms Hardy Perennial Bulbs
  • Flower Bulbs, Ready for Planting
  • Fragrant Flower Bulbs
  • Ready for Planting Now
  • Vibrant, Eye - Catching Colours
  • They are ideal for a sheltered, sunny site. Garden care: Plant pre-soaked tubers 5-8cm (2-3in) deep and 15cm apart in September or October in light, sandy soil in a sunny, protected site. Cover with a cloche or dry mulch to protect against extreme winter weather.
Bestseller No. 9
Japanese Anemone Breakfast Cup & Saucer Fine Bone China Large Anemone Cup & Saucer Hand Decorated in The U.K. Free UK Delivery
  • White Fine Bone China Breakfast Cup & Saucer
  • Large Cup & Saucer Hand Decorated with Gorgeous Japanese Anemone Ceramic transfers Chintz Designs.
  • Set Quantity: 1 Cup + 1 Saucer Material: White Fine Bone China
  • Cup Dimensions: 8.5 cm high, 15.5 cm length, 10 cm diameter. Saucer Dimensions: 17.5 cm Capacity: 425 cc (3/4 Pint)
  • Care: Dishwasher and Microwave Safe. Please note: these cups and saucers may vary from photos shown each one is individually hand decorated in Stoke on Trent upon request and variations in the positioning of the designs could happen.
Bestseller No. 10
Peacock Orchids - Unique in Appearance with Strong Fragrance - Summer Flowering Bulbs - Ready for Planting Now (15x Acidanthera Peacock Orchids)
  • WHEN TO PLANT: – Plant between January to May and flowers will Bloom July to October. HEIGHT 60-90cm. Create a variety of landscaping results with sword like foliage of Peacock Orchid bulb collection - This kind of cultivation is relaxed and stress-free for both gardening experts and beginners - PLEASE READ FULL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION BEFORE PURCHASE
  • HOW TO PLANT: Simply plant the bulbs 10cm deep and 20cm apart and wait for lovely white flowers to bloom. SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Peacock orchids grow well in average soil and adapt to most soils except heavy clay. SUN- LIGHT REQUIRMENTS:Peacock orchids love the sun and bloom best when provided with lots of light. Their nodding white flowers are lovely with the light behind them so consider siting them where they'll be illuminated with sun. WATER REQUIRMENTS: Water well keep soil moist and do not allow to dry out completely
  • CONTENTS: 15x Peacock Orchid Bulbs- Gladiolus Callianthus(also called Corms)-Size 5/6. The elegant peacock orchid features showy summer blooms with nodding, white flowers and a maroon center. Growing peacock orchids is not as hard as the name and description implies, they are, in fact, easy to grow and may well be one of the most beautiful flowers in the summer garden
  • CREATE A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN: Show your creativity and get rewarded with lovely blooms by choosing to go the GROW MY OWN. Gardeners love peacock orchids for their beautiful and fragrant flowers. Peacock orchids, properly known by their botanical name Gladiolus callianthus, trace their family tree to the iris and gladiolus family. They provide masses of color and look stunning at the back of the border or in places where you need to make a dramatic impact in the garden
  • GUARANTEE: These bulbs you receive from us should reach you in the best condition and be of top quality. We have worked with our suppliers for many years to guarantee this. We know how annoying it is if you plant something and wait eagerly for it to flower, only to find that it’s the wrong colour or form. The bulbs you’ll get from us will be the largest size possible, first class and healthy to ensure the best and tallest flowers – GUARANTEED

Image credits – shutterstock.com

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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