This Month’s star of the garden – Japanese Anemone

Every month, I will be showcasing a plant that has done particularly well or has been a star in the garden. So for this month, October, I had a few plants in mind but finally settled on the Japanese Anemone. I planted two of these beauties last year and added another two varieties in summer. The Anemones planted last year disappeared in Winter and I thought I had lost them to the unusually cold weather we had at the beginning of the year. But they came back! They were late to flower this year but when they started, they really shined!

Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’

How to grow Japanese Anemones

It’s best to plant these in a shady or half shady spot in the garden, but I have two in a very sunny bed and they have all flowered equally well. Once the flowers have finished, I deadhead them to tidy them up but I must admit that I quite like the look of the little seed heads, perched high up on the stalks. They like moist soil but not too wet and it’s a good idea to mulch with well-rotted garden compost or manure, preferably in spring. They don’t like to be moved but they can be divided in Spring if they are getting congested.

Anemone Tiki Sensation

Do Japanese Anemones spread?

These plants have a quick spreading habit so they are perfect for filling gaps and give you lots of pleasure for your money.

When do Japanese Anemones flower?

They are great flowers for late Summer colour, flowering from August right through to October. Although this year it seems that they will be flowering well into November!

Anemone ‘Serenade’

How do you prune Japanese Anemones?

You can cut them back in late Autumn, after flowering.

Anemone growing wild

Are Japanese Anemones easy to grow?

They are very easy to grow and ideal for a low maintenance garden and beginner gardeners. On my way to our local bus stop, there is a small bit of waste land that is completely overgrown with grass and weeds. Last year a beautiful white Anemone must have self seeded itself there and it’s a stunning sight. Nobody looks after this plant yet it came back this year with even more flowers. If it can grow there, without any care, it must be a very easy plant to grow!

What kind of problems can Japanese Anemones experience?

They can be quite a tasty meal for slugs, snails and caterpillars so it is a good idea to keep an eye on the plants when they are young. They can also suffer from powdery mildew. I have been lucky that I have not experienced any problems with mine and have found them easy to look after.

Anemone Honorine Jobert

Why should I grow Japanese Anemones in my garden?

#1. They are very easy to grow and to look after

#2. They look beautiful when in bud and in flower

#3. They spread and provide lots of flowers for your money

#4. There are so many varieties to choose from, you are bound to fall in love with one of them

#5. They come back year after year

I’m sure I could think of more reasons why anybody would have this lovely plant in their garden. It’s surprising how tough this little flower is considering how delicate it looks. Next year, I know I will be adding to my collection!

Do you grow Anemones in your garden? Have you been inspired to try them? Let me know in the comments, would love to hear your views!