Japanese Anemones: Planting and Care
Contents
Japanese Anemones, in a nutshell
- The Japanese Anemone is one of the most beautiful late-summer flowers for partial shade.
- Its bright, wide-open flowers sway on their long stems.
- Easy to grow and remarkably vigorous, Anemone x hupehensis only fears excessive moisture and overly dry exposures.
- Highly floriferous and perennial, it’s a great asset for late-season gardens.
- Low-maintenance once established, it thrives effortlessly!
- A staple in English and natural gardens, the iconic Japanese Anemone is our favourite flower for autumn scenes.
Our Expert's Word
The Japanese Anemones or Autumn Anemones and their hybrids are remarkable for their abundant flowering. They suit many garden styles, from the most classic to the most modern. They have been very popular in recent years among landscape designers; a beautiful example being the fields of Anemones designed by Gilles Clément for the garden of the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris.
Autumn Anemones are among the most long-lived partial shade perennials. Easy to grow, they ensure a very flowery late summer and autumn each year, with an abundance of large single or double flowers, white or more or less dark pink, sometimes verging on purple. They thrive in partial shade, at the foot of trees or at the back of borders where they form magnificent colonies. Very hardy, they grow in moist soil without too much limestone, where they spread slowly but surely. They take a few years to really establish themselves, but once they’ve found their place in the garden, their flowers become more and more numerous over the years. Japanese Anemones can become invasive, so they need to be kept in check a little, unless you like the naturalistic effect!
These “daughters of the air”, at once delicate, resilient and undemanding, are a must for autumn displays. They pair easily with other late-flowering perennials and roses and make very pretty, simple and fresh bouquets.
Botany
Botanical data
- Latin name Anemone hupenhensis var. japonica, Anemone x hybrida
- Family Ranunculaceae
- Common name Japanese Anemone, Autumn Anemone
- Flowering From August to November, flowers 5 to 10 cm in diameter
- Height 0.40 to 1.50 m
- Exposure Non-scorching sun, partial shade, shade
- Soil type Rich, humus-rich, moist, light and well-drained
- Hardiness Hardy beyond -15°C
Japanese Anemones or Autumn Anemones belong to the Ranunculaceae family. They are primarily found in temperate and cold regions of our hemisphere. They grow naturally in light woodland and damp meadows.
Japanese Anemones mainly originate from A. hupehensis var. japonica, native to central and western China with numerous narrow petals, and A. vitifolia from the Himalayas. Their hybrid A. x hybrida and its cultivars are among the most sought-after by garden enthusiasts.
Regardless of soil type, the Anemone is very tolerant; it enjoys moist soils but struggles with waterlogged conditions, especially when young.
Choose a location that isn’t too hot, avoiding limestone soils which they dislike. They tolerate brief dry spells and can handle non-scorching morning or late afternoon sun but prefer partial shade. Japanese Anemones thrive in partial shade at the base of trees, which provide coolness and allow them to flourish. However, they dislike deep shade: avoid planting them near shrubs that might block their light. They also need good air circulation!
The medium to dark green foliage, very dense at the base, is deciduous and deeply cut, with prominent veins on the underside and slightly hairy. It appears quite late in spring, making Japanese Anemones ideal companions for bulbous plants that occupy the space early in the season. The large rounded to oval leaves, 10 to 20 cm long, are divided into three lobes.
Japanese Anemones have an upright habit and form broad clumps, vigorous and rounded, more or less compact, reaching 0.40 to 1.50 m in height depending on the variety. Mature width varies greatly, from 50 cm to indefinite if left to spread… The stems dry out in cold weather and should be removed from the base; the clump is typically cut back in late autumn.
As they grow, these fibrous-tuberous perennials produce brittle roots that spread via suckers. Japanese Anemones take some time to establish: in the first year, the plant slowly develops its roots, and only in the second year does it begin to flower properly and produce suckers. It then spreads spontaneously.
Japanese Anemone: in bud, in flower, in seed
Even left untended, Japanese Anemones spread via their suckers. Over time, they can occupy all available space, forming beautiful colonies. Though somewhat invasive, they don’t smother neighbouring plants but weave naturally among them. It’s best to give them ample room! To control their spread, consider encircling the clump. In ideal conditions, they can live for decades. And, the longer they grow, the more abundant their flowering becomes.
The flowers are the main attraction of Japanese Anemones. Sturdy, slender, and upright flower stems rise to 60 cm for smaller varieties and up to 1.50 m for Anemones x hybrida, bearing umbels of 15 to 20 flowers. Taller varieties exceeding 1 m may need staking due to the weight of the blooms. Cultivars from Anemone hupehensis var. japonica have many more petals. The flowers, measuring 5 to 10 cm in diameter, are solitary or grouped in cymes or umbels on branched stems.
Japanese Anemones are among the prettiest autumn flowers. Light and graceful, they sway in the wind, unfazed by the first chills. Touching in their simplicity, they charm with their elegance and luminous, wide-open blooms that brighten shady corners.
Japanese Anemones come in white or an endless array of vibrant or pastel pink shades, sometimes even purplish or reddish, with single or double flowers. They also vary in complexity with a variable number of petals (or tepals). They first appear as delicate, fuzzy oval buds before opening into flat or flared cups with 5 to 20 tepals or more, narrow or wide, sometimes cupped or twisted (26 for Anemone hupehensis var. japonica ‘Pamina’) radiating around a golden-yellow stamen centre. Though unscented, they more than compensate with their remarkable floriferousness. Once faded, they leave behind poetic cotton-like seed heads, perfect for dried arrangements.
Japanese Anemones bloom from late summer through autumn. Flowering lasts about a month (up to six weeks for dwarf varieties), with each bloom lasting 4 to 5 days.
Avoid overly dry locations, and you’ll be dazzled each year by a profusion of large flowers appearing in August, with the last blooms carried away by frost.
Autumn Anemones make exquisite airy bouquets thanks to their straight, slender stems, fully open corollas, and buds still in development. Perfect for rustic, romantic arrangements paired with grasses, cineraire, or umbellifers.
For cut flowers, pick blooms that are nearly closed or just opening, as they’ll continue to unfurl in water. Anemones last well (around 10 days). If picked fully open, they’ll only last 4 days.
For winter bouquets, don’t hesitate to cut stems with dried seed capsules for vases—after two hours at room temperature, you’ll see white, cotton-like fluff emerge.
The main varieties
There are dozens of varieties of Japanese Anemones. There is even some confusion in their classification: some cultivars have been given new names while their original designation was still valid. For example, ‘Albert Schweitzer’ and ‘Max Vogel’ are none other than Anemone x hybrida ‘Elegans’, plants sold under the name ‘Luise Uhink’ are actually either ‘Honorine Jobert’ or ‘Whirlwind’, and ‘Bressingham Glow’ is identical to ‘Prinz Heinrich’.
The main selection criteria are the colour and shape of the flowers, as well as the height, with some varieties like Anemone x hybrida ‘Monterosa’ reaching 1.25m.
Anemone hybrida Hadspen Abundance
- Flowering time September to November
- Height at maturity 80 cm
Anemone hybrida Honorine Jobert
- Flowering time September to November
- Height at maturity 1,20 m
Anemone hybrida Königin Charlotte
- Flowering time September to November
- Height at maturity 1 m
Anemone hybrida Whirlwind
- Flowering time September to November
- Height at maturity 1,20 m
Anemone hupehensis September Charm
- Flowering time September to November
- Height at maturity 1 m
Anemone hybrida Bressingham Glow
- Flowering time September to November
- Height at maturity 70 cm
Anemone hupehensis var. japonica Prinz Heinrich
- Flowering time August to November
- Height at maturity 70 cm
Anemone hupehensis var. japonica Little Princess
- Flowering time September to December
- Height at maturity 50 cm
Anemone tomentosa Robustissima
- Flowering time September to November
- Height at maturity 1 m
Anemone Wild Swan - Japanese Anemone
- Flowering time July to November
- Height at maturity 50 cm
Anemone hybrida Andrea Atkinson
- Flowering time September to November
- Height at maturity 1,20 m
Anemone hybrida Richard Ahrens
- Flowering time September to November
- Height at maturity 1 m
Anemone hybrida Mont Rose
- Flowering time September to November
- Height at maturity 60 cm
Anemone Ruffled Swan - Japanese Anemone
- Flowering time July to November
- Height at maturity 75 cm
Anemone hupehensis var. japonica Fantasy Pocahontas
- Flowering time September to December
- Height at maturity 45 cm
Anemone hybrida Rosenschale
- Flowering time September to November
- Height at maturity 1,20 m
Discover other Japanese Anemones
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Planting Japanese Anemones
Where to Plant Japanese Anemones?
The Japanese Anemone is not a particularly fussy plant. It’s quite accommodating: once settled in suitable soil, it will flower for many years with minimal maintenance. It thrives almost everywhere in France, except in Mediterranean climates.
It prefers partial shade, with morning or late afternoon sun, or dappled sunlight filtered through trees—avoid the harsh midday sun between noon and 2 pm, which can scorch the foliage. We recommend planting it in a spot sheltered from intense sunlight, such as under the light shade of a hedge or tree. It dislikes deep shade, so avoid placing it too close to shrubs that might block its light. Opt for double-flowered, shorter varieties at the edge of borders to line pathways, while taller varieties work well at the back of flowerbeds.
Japanese Anemones do not tolerate chalky soil well—plant them in neutral or slightly acidic soil, preferably light and rich in humus, where they will slowly spread via underground rhizomes. Overly alkaline soils cause the foliage to yellow.
To thrive and flower abundantly, Japanese Anemones need moist, loose, and well-drained soil. While they tolerate a wide range of soil types (except very poor or stony ground), they prefer humus-rich soils, similar to woodland conditions. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, mix in compost to improve drainage. They dislike waterlogged winter soils. Though they can endure brief summer droughts, prolonged dryness will kill them.
This hardy perennial can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C, occasionally down to -20°C, but only for short periods. While unfazed by cold climates, in regions with harsh winters, protect young plants with a mulch of straw or dead leaves to retain soil moisture and shield the roots from frost.
Choose a sheltered spot to protect them from strong winds, which can flatten the clumps.
Japanese Anemones also grow well in pots (in a deep container of at least 30 cm). Compact varieties like Fantasy Pocahontas work best, either planted alone or paired with grasses, stipas, dahlias, phlox, or asters in soft hues. For potted plants, apply a balanced, potassium- and phosphorus-rich fertiliser annually.
When to Plant?
Plant Japanese Anemones in spring (March–April) or autumn (September–early October), when temperatures are mild. These seasons allow the plants to establish roots before winter frosts or summer heat, ensuring better growth.
How to Plant Japanese Anemones
Japanese Anemones are slow to establish, with delicate roots. The main challenge lies in ensuring successful transplantation. Moist, deep, and well-drained soil is key to their development.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the plant’s pot.
- If your soil is heavy or clay-based, add compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage.
- Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the crown sits level with the soil surface.
- Backfill with a mix of soil and compost, then firm gently.
- Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle.
Space plants 30–50 cm apart, with 2–5 plants per m² for a dense display. Since they’re airy rather than compact, grouping enhances visual impact.
Once planted, avoid moving them, as their roots dislike disturbance. Flowering becomes abundant in the second year. Once established, they form colonies via underground runners. For tidier borders, dig a 25 cm-deep trench around the plant and line it with landscape fabric to contain spread.
Water regularly in the first year to keep the soil moist—but not waterlogged, as excess moisture can rot young roots. During dry spells, water weekly for the first two months, then reduce to fortnightly if conditions allow.
In winter, the foliage dies back completely. If planted alone, mark their location to avoid damaging dormant roots during winter gardening tasks.
How to Care for Japanese Anemones?
These are dream plants for gardeners with little time to devote to their flower beds. Japanese Anemone is a carefree plant that resists diseases and pests well. It has no major known enemies.
In spring, young shoots may occasionally be attacked by slugs and later by nematodes. The solution: against slugs, spread a barrier of ash around the anemone plants or beds.
It may occasionally suffer from rust, mildew, or smut, but these are generally not serious.
To ensure abundant flowering, add well-rotted compost to the base of the plant every 2 or 3 years, preferably in early spring, as anemones are relatively hungry plants.
Remove faded flowers as they appear to encourage new blooms. Under the weight of the flowers, the stems of some tall specimens may break—staking may be necessary.
Cut back flower stems and foliage to ground level at the start of winter. In regions with harsh winters, cover the plant with a protective mulch of straw or dead leaves.
Japanese Anemone tends to spread and can become invasive. If you wish to control its growth, weed regularly around the plants to limit its spread.
How to propagate Japanese Anemone?
Sowing
It is not recommended, as seed germination is slow and irregular, yielding very variable results.
Division
Unlike sowing, dividing Japanese Anemones is easy and risk-free. Divide well-established clumps, typically after 3 years of cultivation. In March, use a garden fork to separate the main rootstock into 3 to 5 sections, which you should replant immediately, spacing them 30 cm apart. Allow one to two years for the first flowering.
Cuttings
Japanese Anemones can be propagated by taking root cuttings in autumn from the roots developing at the edge of the clump. This simple method allows you to obtain additional plants from an established specimen in the ground or by harvesting roots from a newly purchased plant.
- In September-October, take a 10 cm-wide root cluster from the Anemone
- Cut it into two or three sections
- Plant these pieces in a seed tray filled with sandy compost
- Store in a dry place
- Monitor and water lightly if too dry
- Pot the cuttings the following spring in potting compost before transplanting them outdoors
- Allow one to two years on average for the first flowering
→ Learn more about dividing Japanese Anemones in our tutorial! Also discover our tips on root cuttings for Japanese Anemones.
How to pair Japanese Anemones?
The Japanese Anemone brightens up flower beds from late summer to early autumn with its delicate and graceful blooms. Versatile, it fits equally well in contemporary gardens and more traditional borders, adding a touch of elegance and poetry. Its slender, airy habit makes it a perfect companion for vigorous perennials, creating scenes rich in contrasts and volume.
It is a must-have in English Cottage-style gardens, where it pairs beautifully with old-fashioned roses and other late-flowering perennials, such as asters or sedums. Together, they form fresh and romantic combinations in soft shades of white, pink, and mauve. Beyond these pastel tones, the anemone also pairs wonderfully with darker foliage, like that of heucheras or hostas, which highlight its ethereal blooms.
In shady gardens, it is one of the star performers, capable of bringing light with its pale-hued flowers. It is also a key plant in ‘white gardens’, where it creates soothing and sophisticated compositions. Its adaptable nature allows it to thrive both in the ground, within borders, and in large pots on a terrace, where it continues to flower generously until the first frosts.
For a more natural effect, you can pair it with ornamental grasses, such as miscanthus or stipas, which will accentuate its light, wind-dancing charm. Whatever the garden style, the Japanese Anemone brings a subtle yet striking presence, offering a gentle transition between summer and autumn.
For inspiration on pairing it in your garden, explore our guide: “Japanese Anemones: 8 Successful Planting Combinations”
Useful resources
- The most beautiful Japanese Anemone varieties, available on our website.
- Our advice sheet: Mulching: why and how?
- Our advice sheet: White-flowered Japanese Anemones: 10 varieties to discover
- Our advice sheet: Japanese Anemones: 10 varieties for container growing
- Our advice sheet: Choosing a Japanese Anemone
- Our advice sheet: Japanese Anemones: the most beautiful varieties
- Our advice sheet: Pink-flowered Japanese Anemones: 10 varieties to discover
- Discover our 5 favourite double-flowered Japanese Anemone varieties
- Our advice sheet: 5 Japanese Anemones for the back of borders
- Also discover our advice sheet on slow-establishing plants
Frequently asked questions
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I have some Anemone plants under a lilac tree, and they tend to spread throughout the flowerbed. What should I do?
That's normal. As it grows, the Anemone forms colonies and can become invasive. When the plant is established in good conditions, it multiplies and spreads.
If you want to limit its growth, you have two options: simply weed it out or dig a 25 cm deep trench around the base, insert a plastic sheet, and encircle the clump to prevent further spread.
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My young Japanese Anemone plant didn't flower this year, is this normal?
Please be patient, this is normal. Japanese Anemones take a few years to truly establish themselves. Generally, they need at least 2 years, sometimes a bit more, to reach their optimum growth. But after that, the more years go by, the more floriferous they'll become!
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My Anemone hupehensis has stopped flowering? Why?
This isn't normal, especially for a well-established plant. If it's not flowering, it's usually due to lack of water: either the soil is too dry or the location too sunny. Moisture mustn't be lacking during the flowering period. The solution: mulch and water regularly.
Another possible cause is planting in too shady a spot, with deep shade and no sunlight at all. This plant thrives in partial shade, with morning or late afternoon sun exposure, or dappled sunlight filtered through trees – it dislikes dense shade. You may need to consider moving it to a sunnier spot in late winter.
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My young Autumn Anemone plant has rotted, what could be the reason?
In the first year after planting, there's sometimes a tendency to overwater, and in soil that's too damp, the roots can rot. Keep the soil fresh, meaning moist but without excess water.
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