Garden Notes

Japanese anemone blooming in my sister Milly's fall garden

I have been growing the Snowdrop Anemone as a spring perennial in my garden for years with great results. So, when I saw the fall blooming Japanese anemone (Anemone tomentosa) for sale in my local garden center, I purchased it immediately, expecting similar results.

That first year, my new Japanese anemone grew nicely and bloomed right on schedule. The flowers were beautiful and the plant was very attractive. The second year I noticed a few small Japanese anemones growing in close proximity to my original plant and was very happy that my plant was thriving. However, in the third year when I noticed a lot more anemones showing up in my perennial bed, I decided it was a little too happy and decided to remove some of the new plants. That is when I realized my plant had spread underground via a maze of roots and I have been trying to get rid of them ever since. Unfortunately, by the time I realized the problem, my Japanese anemone was well established with a massive root system and it just keeps coming back.

My sister Milly, however, holds a very different view of this same anemone. In her yard it is situated in an outlying area where it has plenty of room to spread. The plant is largely pest and disease free and does well in partial shade and she has been very happy with her Japanese anemone. Milly did point out that periodically she rototills the surrounding area to keep her little colony of anemones from traveling further.

When we visited Milly and her family in northern Wisconsin this fall, her Japanese anemones were spectacular. They were full of pink blooms on healthy green foliage and were thriving in the partially shaded location. That visit gave me new insight. If I had a similar area, I would plant the Japanese anemone again because they are beautiful. They are especially lovely when viewed in a large colony and if I could keep them contained, I would love them to have them again!

 

Japanese anemone flower

Planting Information and tips

Common name: Windflower or anemone

Bloom time: Late summer through early fall

Flower color: Pink, red, white

Height: 2 ft. to 4 ft.

Sunlight: Full to partial sun

Zones: 5-9

Notes: plant does in woodland conditions
in light, well drained soil