Anemone Dainty Swan - Japanese Anemone

The Hybrid Anemone 'Dainty Swan' is a medium-sized variety that surprises with its early and two-tone flowers, in pink with a purple-violet reverse. It carries above its foliage, floral stems that are adorned with flowers of a unique colour, which are noticeable from a distance. It is also a solid and sturdy variety, which proves prolific without being invasive. It prefers partial shade and moist soils even in summer, which will encourage more flowers.

Anemone 'Dainty Swan' is a perennial belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. More precisely, it is a variety belonging to a series of hybrids named 'Swan', of which the flagship 'Wild Swan' received an award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This Japanese Anemone, resulting from a probable cross-breeding between Anemone rupicola and A. hupehensis, is a new creation full of charm and surprise. Earlier than most other Japanese anemones, its flowers bloom from July onwards.

A perennial plant of great hardiness, it grows from fibrous tubers, like other Japanese Anemones, and forms vigorous and rounded clumps over long periods of time. 'Dainty Swan' bears upright floral stems that reach a height of 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24in). The flowers measure 7 to 8 cm (3in) in diameter and have pale pink petals, washed with violet on the reverse, giving it a very unique and cheerful bicolored appearance. From a distance, the flowers appear pinkish purple, then as one approaches the plant, the bicolored effect becomes very distinct. A lovely dark green foliage, composed of three lobed leaflets, serves as a backdrop for these flowers, then disappears at the first frost. Japanese anemones can live for about ten years in the same location.

Very easy to grow, this Japanese anemone likes partial shade and rich, moist soils with a neutral or acidic tendency. 'Dainty Swan' thrives in light and humus-rich soil. It tolerates brief episodes of drought and can withstand morning sun, but dislike scorching rays. Ideally, plant it at the edge or in the background of a border, for example, and choose the right angle from which the flowers will be observed, the ideal being to be able to walk around the plant to fully enjoy the pink-violet alternation. Persicarias, cimicifugas, and shade-loving perennial geraniums make good companions for this adorable perennial.