Anemone japonica

An old and still commonly used name in horticulture, although modern taxonomy attributes most plants cultivated under this name to Anemone hupehensis var. japonica , or groups them under the term of autumn hybrid anemones ( Anemone × hybrida ), resulting from complex crosses involving Anemone hupehensis , A. vitifolia and other Asian species. Native to central China, naturalized in Japan for centuries, introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century — Robert Fortune bringing it back from Shanghai around 1844.

Vigorous rhizomatous perennial, forming over time large colonies by underground stolons. Basal leaves long-petioled, trifoliate, with broad, lobed and toothed leaflets, of a dark matte green slightly rough. Erect flowering stems, branched into loose corymbs, reaching 60 to 120 cm depending on the cultivars. Flowers with 5 tepals — which can be numerous and imbricated in double forms — of a more or less deep pink to pure white, surrounding a dense central cluster of yellow-green stamens and numerous carpels arranged in a compact sphere.

Blooming from late August to October, precious in a season when large perennials are rare. Prefers cool, deep, well-drained soils, in a semi-shaded position, sheltered from winds. Establishes slowly in the first years then develops with great vigor, potentially becoming invasive in favorable conditions. Hardy down to about −20 °C. Essential in large perennial beds and natural or romantic style gardens.