• Zones 3-24, 30-39, 41
• Partial shade
• Regular watering
Prized for its late-summer bloom, this graceful plant bears loose sprays of slightly cupped, gold-centered white or pink flowers that resemble wild roses. Blossoms are single or double, 2 to 3 inches across, carried on 2- to 4-foot flower stems that rise from clumps of dark green, softly hairy foliage. Leaves are three to five lobed, up to 6 inches across. Foliage clumps are low in early spring, then increase in height as the season progresses. Japanese anemone is especially attractive planted in front of deep green shrubbery, where its flowers stand out dramatically against the dark backdrop.
Japanese anemone prefers good, well-amended soil; it will take claylike soil as long as drainage is good. Plants tolerate some sun in cool-summer climates but need protection from afternoon sun where summers are hot. Where winters are severe, mulch plantings heavily in fall.
Plants establish somewhat slowly but spread freely by rhizomes when mature; you can pull up new shoots to keep plants in bounds. Divide clumps every 5 to 7 years.