Anemone hybrida Rubra Plena

Anemone x hybrida Rubra Plena is a Japanese anemone with semi-double flowering, which are dark pink to purplish, and very long-lasting. This elegant perennial plant is a medium-sized variety, decorative from summer to autumn, producing magnificent flowers on strong, upright stems, with fully open corollas surrounding a golden yellow stamen. They have an indefinable charm that complements the exuberant flowers of asters or the vibrant hues of hydrangeas. It will thrive in full sun or partial shade, in moist and rich soil.

Japanese anemone Rubra Plenais is a hybrid belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. Likely resulting from the cross-breeding between Anemone vitifolia, of Himalayan origin, and Anemone hupehensis, native to central and western China, this variety will reach 1.20 m (4ft) to 1.50 m (5ft) in height depending on the richness of the soil it grows in, with a diameter of 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28in). 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, divided, dark green, strongly veined on the underside, and hairy. The flowering takes place from September to November. The flowers are single, carried on strong, upright stems. They first appear as delightful oval and fluffy buds, pink in colour, and then open into flared cups of 20 to 30 rounded petals that overlap, dark pink to purplish red, measuring approximately 6 cm (2in) in diameter. Japanese anemones can live for about ten years in the same location.

The Japanese anemone is one of the most beautiful autumn flowers. Light and graceful, it sways gently in the wind, unaffected by the first frost. It decorates the garden or large pots on the terrace from late summer to the first frost. Perfect in the back of borders for the taller varieties, it combines its elegant flowering with the grace of cordate asters or smooth asters, and the nostalgic charm of perennial chrysanthemums. The Rubra Plena variety is perfect in the centre or back of borders, in front of a row of hydrangeas. Finally, the finely divided foliage of anemones adds a beautiful dark green touch to flower bouquets. It can sometimes become invasive if it is happy, but it is easy to control its spread.