Anemone hupehensis 'September Charm'
september charm Japanese anemone
Garden selection; species native to central China
Overview
Anemone hupehensis 'September Charm' is a tall Japanese anemone cultivar reaching 30-42 inches (75-105 cm) in height and 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) wide when fully established. Single flowers 2.5-3 inches (6-8 cm) across open silvery-pink, with 5-6 rounded tepals surrounding a central boss of yellow stamens, on wiry branching stems that sway above the basal foliage mound from August through October. The silvery sheen on the pink tepals is most visible in late-afternoon and early-morning light. Dark green deeply lobed three-parted basal leaves form a mound 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) tall beneath the taller flower stems. The tall wiry flowering stems are generally self-supporting in sheltered sites but may lean or lodge in windy exposed positions or in overly rich moist soil. Plants are slow to reach full size, producing sparse bloom in years one and two before maturing into vigorous spreading colonies by year three. Rhizomatous roots spread steadily in loose humus-rich soil; in favorable conditions, colonies can expand aggressively and require division or thinning every 3-4 years. In dry soil or full sun without adequate moisture, leaf margins scorch and bloom is reduced. All parts contain protoanemonin, toxic to humans and pets on contact and if ingested. Deer avoid the foliage. Hardy to USDA zone 4 with winter mulch protection.
Native Range
The species Anemone hupehensis is native to central China, occurring in open woodlands and moist shaded slopes in Hubei province. 'September Charm' is a garden selection known since the mid-twentieth century, valued for its single-flowered form and silvery-pink tepals.Suggested Uses
Planted in the middle to back of shaded or partially shaded borders where the tall wiry stems give vertical interest above lower perennials. Used in woodland garden edges, along north-facing walls, and in cottage garden plantings. Mass plantings of 5-7 create a naturalistic drift. Not suited to containers due to the tall spreading habit.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'6" - 3'6"
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering begins in late August, peaks in September (as the cultivar name suggests), and continues into October. Individual flowers last about 1 week. Branching stems produce successive buds over a 6-8 week period. Woolly seed heads form after petal drop and persist into early winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Silvery-pink with yellow stamens; single 2.5-3 inches (6-8 cm) across with 5-6 rounded tepals; on tall wiry branching stems August through OctoberFoliage Description
Dark green; deeply lobed three-parted basal leaves; deciduousGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Sited in partial shade to full sun with 4-8 hours of light; afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch in hot climates. Humus-rich consistently moist soil is essential. Watered regularly throughout the growing season; drought stress causes leaf browning and reduced bloom. Mulched in the root zone with 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of organic material. In zone 4, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of winter mulch is applied after the ground freezes. 2-3 years are allowed for full establishment before expecting heavy bloom. Rhizomes are divided or thinned every 3-4 years if the colony outgrows its allotted space. Established plants are not transplanted.Pruning
Spent flower stems are cut after bloom or left for seed head interest through early winter. All foliage and stems are cut to ground level in late fall after frost or in early spring before new growth emerges. No other pruning is needed during the growing season.Pruning Schedule
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fallearly spring