The common name, Japanese anemone, is used to refer to more than one kind of anemones but all of these plants have similar flowers that appear in late summer or fall on branching stems above attractive mounds of foliage. Most are fairly tall and all are low maintenance. They thrive in well-drained soil and part shade, and are generally pest and disease free. The plants are vigorous and the clumps enlarge so that they need to be divided every three to four years. Flowers are good for arrangements.
There are many good modern cultivars but there are also some very fine heirloom cultivars that were bred over one hundred years ago. These heirloom cultivars are especially welcome in cottage gardens. Here are five heirloom Japanese anemones of merit that differ in plant height or flower color, size, and fullness.
‘Honorine Jobert’
Known from 1858, this cultivar is still very popular and easy to find.
Flower Color: White
Flower Size: 2-3” diameter
Fullness: Single
Plant Height: 3-4
‘Luis Uhink’
Bred in Germany by Pfitzer, this cultivar is very hard to find in the US but is very floriferous.
Flower Color: White
Flower Size: 4-5” diameter
Fullness: Single
Plant Height: 4’
‘Prince Henry’
Also bred by Pfitzer, ‘Prince Henry’ should not require staking.
Flower Color: Deep rose
Flower Size: 2-3” diameter
Fullness: Semidouble
Plant Height: 3’
‘Queen Charlotte’
Another Pfitzer hybrid, ‘Queen Charlotte’ was named after the German wife of the English king George III. She was an avid botanist.
Flower Color: Pink
Flower Size: 3” diameter
Fullness: Semidouble
Plant Height: 3’
‘Whirlwind’
Introduced in 1887, Whirlwind’ has petals that suggest they have been tossed about by the wind.
Flower Color: White
Flower Size: 4” diameter
Fullness: semi-double
Plant Height: 4-5
