Japanese Anemone Care: Tips For Growing A Japanese Anemone Plant

What is a Japanese anemone plant? Also known as Japanese thimbleweed, Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis) is a tall, stately perennial that produces glossy foliage and big, saucer-shaped flowers in shades ranging from pure white to creamy pink, each with a green button in the center. Look for blooms to appear throughout summer and fall, often until the first frost. Japanese anemone plants are a cinch to grow and adaptable to most growing conditions. Read on to learn more about growing a Japanese anemone (or several!) in your garden.

How to Grow Japanese Anemone Plants

Ready to start growing a Japanese anemone? This plant may be available at your local greenhouse or nursery. Otherwise, it’s easy to divide mature plants or take root cuttings in early spring. Although it’s possible to plant Japanese anemone seeds, germination is erratic and slow. Japanese anemone plants grow in nearly any well-drained soil, but they are happiest in rich, loose soil. Mix a little compost or rotted manure into the soil at planting time. Although Japanese anemone plants tolerate full sunlight, they appreciate a lightly shaded area where they are protected from intense afternoon heat and sunlight – especially in hot climates.

Japanese Anemone Care

Japanese anemone care is relatively uninvolved as long as you provide regular water to keep the soil consistently moist. Japanese anemone plants won’t tolerate dry soil for long periods of time. A layer of bark chips or other mulch keeps the roots cool and moist. Watch for slugs and other pests such as flea beetles, caterpillars, and weevils and treat accordingly. Also, tall plants may need staking to keep them upright. Note: Japanese anemone plants are rambunctious plants that spread by underground runners. Choose a location carefully, as they may become weedy in some areas. A place where the plant is free to spread is ideal.