Anemone giapponese

Description

A perennial herbaceous plant also known as ‘Autumn Anemone’ or ‘Japanese anemone’, whose ornamental value lies in the slender stems that rise from the basal foliage, bearing elegant flowers from late summer through to autumn, with petals – or, more correctly, tepals – in pastel shades that are sometimes slightly variegated.
During the cold season, it sheds its above-ground parts before sprouting again the following spring. Cold-hardy, it requires bright sun exposure but one sheltered from direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest hours of the day. It is suitable for growing in pots as well as in flowerbeds or borders, including in mixed compositions with other ornamental plants such as grasses, where it serves as a focal point in the landscape with its flowering stems swaying in the breeze.
There are also species that flower in spring and summer.

Division

Angiospermae

Class

Eudicots

Family

Ranunculaceae

Order

Ranunculales

Genus

Eriocapitella

Species

hupehensis

Origin and distribution

The horticulturally derived species Anemone japonica var. hupehensis, laterclassified as Eriocapitella hupehensis, is native to the region stretching from Nepal to Taiwan. It was introduced to Europe in the 19th century.

Curiosities and special features

The Japanese anemone is often referred to in the English-speaking world as the ‘Windflower’, as its flower stems tend to sway in the breeze, creating an effect of great ornamental and landscape value.

Lifespan

A rhizomatous perennial herb; during the cold season, it sheds its above-ground parts, only to regrow the following spring.

Where to plant

Versatile, it is suitable as a species for flowerbeds, balconies, borders, pots, planters, gardens and parks, large pots, terraces and outdoor planters.

Plant height

The plant height ranges from 0.8 to 1.2 m, depending on the growth of the flower stalks that rise up from amongst the basal leaves.

Leaf

The leaves have a palmately lobed blade, which is often slightly hairy on the underside.

Leaf colour

A uniform shade with varying shades of green.

Stem

The stems are herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is from

Growth

Compact Growth Plant.

Habit

It develops a tufted growth habit, with basal leaves forming a clump from which long flowering stems emerge, becoming focal points in the landscape.

Use

The Japanese anemone is highly prized for its late summer and autumn blooms in:
Outdoor ornamental use Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 20 °C during the growing season.

The survival temperature ranges from -15 to 35 °C.

It prefers a temperate, cool climate; it tolerates the summer heat provided it is watered regularly, particularly when grown in pots.

Soil

It requires fresh, well-drained soil/medium rich in organic matter.

If grown in a pot or outdoor planter, use a specialised growing medium containing peat, clay granules and perlite.

Sun exposure

Suitable for partial sun exposure or dappled shade.

For abundant flowering, ensure plenty of light but protect the plant from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the summer.

Difficulty

Easy to grow, it requires a moderate level of care.

Hardiness

Of medium hardiness.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation tips:
It can be planted in sunny or partially shaded beds. This plant adapts very well to cold winter climates and can even survive in frozen soil/medium. It prefers a cool climate In low light, the plants do not flower

Soil preparation

Plant in spring or autumn when the soil is moist and at a moderate temperature; avoid the dry summer months or winter when the ground is frozen.
Lightly perform digging on the soil, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones; then work in a specific slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser and chop up any large clods to improve aeration.

To improve drainage of excess water and prevent waterlogging, create a raised bed by gently mounding the soil.

In spring, spread a layer of mulch over the surface of the soil/medium to suppress weeds and keep the soil/medium cooler.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

pH

For excellent vegetative growth, ensure that the soil/medium is light, well-drained and rich in organic matter, with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral.
If grown in pots, use a potting compost with a pH between 5.8 and 6.4.

Combinations with other plants

Suitable for mixed compositions with Aster, Gypsophila paniculata, Rudbeckia fulgida, Salvia nemorosa and Verbena bonariensis.