Japanese anemones, or wind flowers, are actually native to China, but were frequently cultivated in Japanese gardens when European explorers first saw them in the 17th century.
They quickly became a favorite in the west for their attractive dark green foliage, and late summer flowers that seem to dance in the wind on wiry stems.
Japanese anemones are hardy perennials that solve a late summer color problem in our garden.
By now, the rudbeckias and coneflowers are fading, but the asters and sedums haven’t come into their full glory yet. It's the Japanese anemones that fill the color gap.
Japanese anemones grow best in part shade on well-drained, moist soil. If they have too much shade, the flower stems may get leggy and flop over.
Japanese anemones grow fine in full sun as long as the soil is kept consistently moist. The plants grow two to four feet tall with single or double flowers, ranging in color from white to deep rose.
A good resource for finding the best anemone varieties is the Chicago Botanic Garden. They did a plant evaluation of 28 Japanese anemone varieties.
They determined -- for their climate, which is similar to ours -- the best are white Andrea Atkinson, pink Max Vogel, and rose-colored Splendens. Of course, if you find one you love, definitely give it a try.
You have to watch where you grow Japanese anemones. They can spread by rhizomes and can become weedy. Diligent thinning and weeding of the anemone patch may be necessary each spring.
Plant these dainty flowers in amongst your fall blooming sedums, asters, and goldenrod for the best color combinations.
Next week on the Connecticut Garden Journal, I'll be talking about popcorn. Until then, I'll be seeing you in the garden.
