How to Grow and Care for Japanese Anemone

Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.

How to grow Japanese anemones

Prized for adding late interest to borders long into autumn, Japanese anemones produce saucer-shaped pink or white flowers on tall, slender, branched stems. Once settled in, these robust perennials are easy to grow and versatile, thriving in sun or partial shade and spreading readily.

Quick facts

• Easy-to-grow perennials
• Pink or white flowers in late summer/autumn
• Flower stems stand 50–150cm (20in–5ft) tall
• Grow in borders, in sun or partial shade
• Like rich soil and plenty of rainfall
• Best planted in autumn or spring
• Grow new plants from root cuttings
• Have a tendency to spread

All you need to know

What are Japanese anemones?

Anemone x hybrida and A. hupehensis are generally known as Japanese anemones, as they both look similar, although other names include Japanese windflower and Chinese anemone. Many cultivars are available, in shades of pink (from rich magenta to soft blush) and pure white. The saucer-shaped flowers may have a single layer of petals, or multiple layers (semi-double or double), and are about 8cm (3in) across, with a circle of bright yellow stamens in the centre.

These vigorous, easy-to-grow perennials have long been popular as border plants, adding valuable colour in late summer and autumn, right through to the first severe frosts. They are herbaceous (so die back in winter and re-sprout in late spring), and belong to the buttercup family.

Japanese anemones have a rather complicated history. They originated in China, from Anemone hupehensis, a native of Hupeh Province. Having been taken into cultivation, they seem to have escaped into the wild in both China and Japan, before being introduced into Europe in the 1800s. The hybrids now available are derived not only from these plants but also white-flowered A. vitifolia, from the mountains of northern India and western China, and violet-pink A. tomentosa, from north-west China.

Choosing the right anemones for you

Most Japanese anemones are easy to grow and low maintenance, suitable for many sites, including shade. They prefer rich, fertile soil that doesn’t get really dry or become waterlogged. Once established, they can form large spreading clumps, so need plenty of space. The flower stems generally reach about 1m (3⅓ft) tall, but in fertile soils can get to 1.5m (5ft), so they are ideal for the middle or back of borders. There are a few smaller cultivars, such as ‘Pretty Lady Diana’, at only 60cm (2ft) tall, which suit smaller spaces and containers.

The flowers attract pollinating insects, so are ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens. Japanese anemones are also resistant to slugs, snails and rabbits, so are a useful choice if these thrive in your garden.

As they flower late in the season, Japanese anemones give a useful boost to borders that may be starting to flag. They combine well many other plants, including ornamental grasses and ferns. Although limited to shades of pink and white, these anemones are elegant and striking in full bloom. White-flowered cultivars in particular, such as ‘Honorine Jobert’, are useful for brightening a shady spot, and work well with most border colour schemes.

To browse photos and descriptions of Japanese anemones, go to RHS Find a Plant. You can also search by height, flower colour, growing position, RHS Award of Garden Merit, Plants for Pollinators, and more, to help narrow down your choices. Seven cultivars have an RHS Award of Garden Merit, which shows they performed well in RHS trials, so are reliable choices.

How to Grow and Care for Japanese Anemone

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry’s most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.

Commonly known as windflower or Japanese thimbleweed, Japanese anemone (Eriocapitella x hybrida) is a herbaceous perennial with graceful branching flower stems and white, pink, or purple blossoms. Blooming in late summer and early fall, the flowers present as poppy-like single or double blooms. This is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance flower.

The plant is often found in perennial borders, cottage, or woodland gardens and is most effective as mass plantings. It spreads easily by underground rhizomes but can be controlled by removing new sprouts. Identified as Anemone x hybrida for many years, this member of the Ranunculaceae family was reclassified in 2018.

The plant is deer and rabbit resistant. However, it is toxic to humans.

Light

Japanese anemones prefer full sun, 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day, but can tolerate partial shade. Planting in the shade reduces bloom production and causes flower stems to flop over.

Soil

The plants prefer organically rich, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Humus-rich soil provides the nutrients they need to thrive and multiply.

Water

Good drainage is a must because the roots of the plant may not survive winter with wet feet. The plants do best in moist soil and should be watered well during dry conditions because they do not tolerate drought.

Temperature and Humidity

Japanese anemones grow well in USDA zones 4a-8b. It is best to mulch the roots in colder climates. In hotter zones, provide a bit of afternoon shade to prevent foliage from burning. Humidity is not a factor unless it is exceptionally high which can cause powdery mildew.

Fertilizer

Japanese anemones do not usually require fertilization if the soil has plenty of organic matter.

Types of Japanese Anemones

There are several cultivars with ‘Honorine Jobert’ as one of the most popular, as it blooms for 5 to 8 weeks in late summer into early fall.

• Eriocapitella x hybrida ‘Alba’: Produces single white blooms for around 24 days.
• Eriocapitella x hybrida ‘Alice’: Produces pale pink, semi-double blooms for 50+ days.
• Eriocapitella x hybrida ‘Avalance’: Produces white double blooms for around 40 days.
• Eriocapitella x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’: One of the most popular Japanese anemone cultivars, it has been found in gardens dating to the mid-1800s. Produces white single to semi-double blooms for about 30 days and has received the Award of Garden Merit from Britain’s Royal Horticultural Society.
• Eriocapitella x hybrida ‘Königin Charlotte or Queen Charlotte’: Produces a pale pink semi-double flower for around 24 days and has received the Award of Garden Merit from Britain’s Royal Horticultural Society.

Pruning

These perennials do not require pruning other than deadheading. However, after the foliage begins to die back, you can remove it completely.

Propagating

Japanese anemones are best propagated by dividing an existing clump or taking root cuttings.

Dividing Existing Plants

1. Divide existing plants in spring as new growth appears.
2. Use a spade to dig up the clump and a sharp knife to divide the rootball into sections.
3. Replant the pieces about 24 inches apart in humus-rich soil and water well. The plants may not bloom the first season after division but will be identical to the parent plant when they bloom the next year.

Taking Root Cuttings

1. Take root cuttings in fall when the plant is fully grown.
2. Use a spade or trowel to dig down beside the plant to find a healthy, fleshy root.
3. Use the spade or pruning shears to snip off the root.
4. Cut the root into small pieces about 2 inches long and lay them horizontally onto a try of damp, well-draining potting soil and cover lightly. The root will form side roots and shoots, which will be the new plants.
5. Keep the soil moist but not wet and sheltered during cold temperatures.
6. When plants are established and securely rooted, transfer them to the garden and space about 24-inches apart where they should flower in a couple of years. The anemone will be the same cultivar as the parent plant.

How to Grow Japanese Anemones From Seed

Japanese anemone seeds are readily available in seed catalogs. But if you want to give collecting seeds a try, harvest seeds from the seed pods and direct sow them into your garden in the fall and just barely cover them with soil. The seeds should germinate in the spring and the plants will bloom in their second year. If you gather seeds from your existing hybrid plants, you may not end up with the same bloom color.

To start seeds indoors, they should be planted 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost so plants will be ready for transplanting in the spring. The small plants can be transplanted outdoors when daytime temperatures are reliably in the upper 50-degree Fahrenheit range.

1. Fill a seed starting tray with growing mix and water until the mixture is moist but not standing in water.
2. Sprinkle Japanese anemone seed on top of the growing mix, sprinkle a thin layer of the seed starting mix on top of the seeds, and press the soil down gently with your hand.
3. Place the seeds under a grow light and keep the tray at a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit until they germinate in about 20 to 30 days.
4. Thin the plants when the seedlings are about 2 inches high and continue growing under the grow lights.
5. Transplant the seedlings into 2- to 3-inch pots and begin to harden off the seedlings when daytime temperatures are in the upper 40s. Bring the plants indoors at night or anytime frost threatens.
6. Plant in the garden 24 inches apart when temperatures are reliably in the upper 50 to 60-degree Fahrenheit range.

Overwintering

Since the foliage of Japanese anemone often remains green in warmer hardiness zones or sheltered locations, there are no special overwintering methods required. In colder climates, mulch the roots well.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Japanese anemone plants are susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, downy mildew, and rust. Root rot can happen if the soil is not well-draining. Common pests affecting this plant include caterpillars, slugs, and nematodes.

How to Get Japanese Anemone to Bloom

Japanese anemone blooms from mid to late summer into mid fall. If your plant is not blooming, it probably needs more sunlight or nutrients. Move the plant to a sunnier location or prune other plants to provide more light. Add organic matter to the soil to increase nutrition.

Common Problems with Japanese Anemone

Japanese anemone can become invasive if allowed to spread unchecked. The problem is easily solved by removing new growth in the spring. Another issue is floppy flower stalks. If this is a problem, the plant can be staked or planted in a sheltered spot away from strong winds.

Once established, this low-maintenance can live for decades. The blooms are also long-lasting cut flowers holding their color for up to two weeks.

Japanese anemone is not a good choice as a houseplant or even a container plant because of the extensive root system.

Plant Japanese anemone in an area with good drainage and at least 6 hours of sunlight for the best results. To prevent the tall flower stalks from falling over, select a spot that is away from harsh winds.

Japanese anemone don’t have much of a scent at all. For a scented flower in the Ranunculus family, go with one of the many species of clematis.

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1. Eriocapitella ×hybrida,(L.H.Bailey) Christenh. and Byng
2. Eriocapitella x hybrida. North Carolina State Extension Plant Toolbox.
3. Eriocapitella x hybrida. North Carolina State Extension.