The Japanese anemone, also called "windflower," is a captivating perennial plant known for its delicate, paper-like flowers and lush green foliage. Despite its common name, it actually originates from China but was popularized in Japanese horticulture, eventually spreading worldwide as a beloved autumn-blooming garden flower. Its elegant blooms and graceful habit make it a valuable addition to any garden, especially when other flowering plants start to fade in the late summer and early fall.
Appearance and Growth Habit
Japanese anemones typically stand 2 to 4 feet tall, though some cultivars can grow even taller. Their flowers feature delicate, open blooms that come in shades of white, pink, rose, and sometimes even purplish hues. Each bloom is composed of five to six petal-like sepals surrounding a center of golden-yellow stamens, giving them a distinctive daisy-like appearance. These flowers float above slender, wiry stems, which makes them appear to “dance” in the wind—a trait that earned them the name “windflower.”
The foliage of the Japanese anemone is equally beautiful. The leaves are deeply lobed and a rich green, adding texture and fullness to garden borders. They form a basal clump of foliage that serves as a green backdrop for the showy flowers, which makes them effective when mass-planted in beds or naturalized in woodland gardens.
Varieties and Cultivars
Japanese anemones come in various cultivars, each offering something unique to suit different garden styles:
‘Honorine Jobert’ - One of the most popular cultivars, it features pure white flowers with a yellow center. This classic variety has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its beauty and reliability.
‘September Charm’ - Known for its soft pink blooms, ‘September Charm’ has petals that are slightly cupped and often have a slight lavender tint. It’s a favorite for adding a gentle, romantic touch to the garden.
