Anemone Ruffled Swan - Japanese Anemone

Anemone 'Ruffled Swan' is a tall form of the 'Wild Swan' variety. From late spring to the end of summer, it produces long stems rising above its foliage. The stems are adorned with bi-coloured flowers with multiple petals, which are white washed with mauve-blue on the reverse. With refined elegance, this plant is an excellent perennial for borders and woodlands. It is sturdy and floriferous, without being invasive. It prefers mild sun or partial shade and moist soils even in summer.

'Ruffled Swan' is a perennial of the Ranunculaceae family. More specifically, it is a variety belonging to a series of hybrids called 'Swan', with the flagship variety 'Wild Swan' being awarded at the Chelsea Flower Show. Likely resulting from a cross between Anemone rupicola and A. hupehensis, this Japanese anemone is a charming and surprising new creation. Blooming earlier than most other Japanese anemones, its flowers open from June-July.

As a hardy perennial plant, it grows from fibrous 'tubers', like other Japanese anemones, and forms over time large, vigorous, and rounded clumps over 40cm (16in) in diameter. 'Ruffled Swan' bears strong, upright flower stalks that reach 60 to 70cm (24 to 28in) in height. The flowers measure 8 to 9cm (3 to 4in) in diameter and have many slightly crumpled white petals, washed with violet on the reverse, surrounding a golden yellow centre. From a distance, the flowers appear very pale mauve, and as one gets closer to the plant, the bi-coloured effect becomes more distinct. Beautiful dark green foliage, composed of three lobed leaflets, serves as a backdrop for this flowering, which then falls with the first frost. Japanese anemones can live for about ten years in the same spot.

Truly easy to grow, this Japanese anemone thrives in partial shade and rich, moist soils, with a neutral to slightly acidic tendency. 'Ruffled Swan' prefers light and humus-rich soil. It tolerates brief periods of drought and can withstand morning sun, but is sensitive to scorching rays. Ideally, plant it along the edge of, or in the background to, a border or woodland, for example, and choose the right angle from which to observe the flowers. The ideal is to be able to walk around the plant to fully enjoy the alternating white-blue mauve colours. Persicarias, cimicifugas, and shade-loving perennial geraniums make good companions for this superb perennial.