Anemone hybrida Slot der Nisse

Anemone hupehensis var. japonica 'Slot der Nisse' is a large hybrid variety of Japanese anemone with delicate, pale-pink flowers. Carried by thin but strong stems, they bloom from late summer to autumn. The elegance of this plant is matched only by its floriferousness, which will delight perennial flower lovers and adorn the garden with its beautiful blooms, even in shade or woodland. Plant in moist, humus-bearing soil, that is not too chalky.

'Slot der Nisse' is a particularly floriferous perennial belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. It is probably the result of cross-breeding between Anemone vitifolia, of Himalayan origin, and Anemone hupehensis, native to central and western China. This very tall variety will reach a height of 1.2 to 1.5m (4 to 5ft), depending on the richness of the soil it is planted in, with a diameter of 60cm (24in). 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 highly dissected, dark green, strongly veined on the underside, and more or less pubescent. The flowering takes place from August-September to November. The flowers are solitary, carried by strong, slender, and straight stems. They first appear as delightful oval and fluffy pink buds, then open up into simple, somewhat loose and slightly hollowed, wide cups. Their colour is a pale powder pink, surrounding a large crown of yellow-orange stamens. Japanese anemones can live for decades in the same location.

Japanese anemone is one of the most beautiful autumn flowers. Light and graceful, it gently sways in the wind, unfazed by the first frosts. It decorates the garden or patio from late summer to the first frost. Perfect at the back of a border, it combines its elegant flowering with the grace of Aster cordifolius or Aster laevis, and the nostalgic charm of perennial chrysanthemums. It is perfect in a border, in front of a hedge of hydrangeas and spindle trees. The finely dissected foliage adds a beautiful dark green touch to flower bouquets. Sometimes invasive if it is happy, it easily self-seeds. 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" are all endowed with a touching simplicity that gives them their charm and makes them essential in a garden. Cultivars derived from Anemone hupehensis var. japonica have many more petals than the type.