Anemone hupehensis var. japonica Little Princess

Anemone hupehensis var. japonica 'Little Princess', commonly known as Japanese anemone, produces flowers in different shades of pink. The flowers are carried by slender but sturdy stems, from late summer to autumn. It is a low and bushy plant. The charm of this perennial is matched only by its floribundity, which will brighten up the garden or patio, even in shade or under trees. Plant in moist, humus-rich soil, that is not too chalky.

'Little Princess' is a particularly floriferous perennial belonging to 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 will reach 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in) in height depending on the richness of the soil it grows in, with a diameter of 40cm (16in). 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. It is deeply cut, dark green, strongly veined on the underside, and more or less pubescent. The flowering period takes place from August to November. The flowers are solitary and simple, carried by strong, slender and straight stems. They first appear as delightful oval and fluffy pink buds, then open up into somewhat loose shallow cups, composed of narrow, hollowed petals, in a blend of true pink and deep pink. Each flower seems different, but each one opens up to a large crown of yellow-orange stamens. Japanese anemones can live for decades in the same spot.

Japanese anemone is one of the most beautiful autumn flowers. Light and graceful, it sways gently in the wind. It decorates the garden or large pots on a patio from late summer to the first frost. Perfect in the back of a flower bed, it blends its elegant flowering with the grace of autumn asters (cordifolius, laevis, turbinellus) and the nostalgic charm of perennial chrysanthemums. The 'Little Princess' variety is perfect as a border plant, in front of a hedge of hydrangeas and spindle trees. The finely cut foliage also adds a beautiful dark green touch to flower bouquets. Sometimes invasive if it is happy, it easily self-seeds, although not always faithfully. It is quite easy to limit its spread.

Several dozen perennial or bulbous species with very different needs and behaviours make up this genus. These "air maidens" all possess a moving simplicity that adds to their charm and makes them essential in a garden. Cultivars derived from Anemone hupehensis var. japonica have many more petals than the type.