Anemone hupehensis Pretty Lady Susan

Anemone 'Pretty Lady Susan' is a variety with compact and bushy growth. From August, it produces an abundance of bright pink semi-double flowers that somewhat resemble poppies. They continue to bloom for several weeks. They open just above the very dark and beautifully palmate foliage. The charm of this lovely perennial becomes evident as the season comes to an end and other flowers begin to fade. Plant it in flower beds alongside autumn daisies and hardy chrysanthemums. It will also work well in a pot on a patio or balcony too.

Like her sisters 'Diana', 'Emily' and 'Maria', 'Pretty Lady Susan' is a hybrid Japanese anemone obtained in Japan by Mr. Yoshihiro Kanazawa. They have recently been introduced to the market in England. All display compact growth, an extraordinary abundance of flowers, and denser foliage than other varieties.

'Pretty Lady Susan' is a perennial plant of the Ranunculaceae family. It may be the result of cross-breeding between Anemone vitifolia, native to the Himalayas, and Anemone hupehensis, native to central and western China. This dwarf variety typically reaches 45 to 55cm (18 to 22in) in height (up to 60cm (24in) in shade), depending on the richness of the soil it grows in, with a diameter of 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in). Like other Japanese anemones, it is a perennial plant with fibrous 'tubers' that form large, vigorous, and rounded clumps. The foliage is deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on the climate. The foliage is highly dissected, dark green, strongly veined on the underside, and more or less pubescent. The abundant and prolonged flowering takes place from August-September to October-November. The 5cm (2in) diameter flowers are solitary. They are borne on short stems that barely rise above the foliage. They first appear as delightful oval and fluffy buds in a greyish-mauve colour, then open into flared cups composed of 6 rounded and irregular petals in a very bright pink. The centre of the flower is green before turning yellow, and is adorned with a beautiful crown of golden yellow stamens contrasting with the pink of the corolla. Japanese anemones are not demanding plants. They can live for decades in the same spot without requiring much maintenance.

Japanese anemone is one of the most beautiful autumn flowers. The varieties of the 'Pretty Ladies' series are very well suited to small gardens, perennial borders, and patios and balconies. They provide a flowery display from late summer until the first frost, blending their spontaneous flowering with that of autumn asters, sneezeweeds, and perennial chrysanthemums. The 'Susan' variety is perfect when planted in groups or with its sisters from the 'Pretty Ladies' series, along the edge of a flower bed, or in front of a hedge of hydrangeas and spindles. The finely dissected foliage of Japanese anemones adds a beautiful dark green touch to flower bouquets.