Anemone x hybrida, Japanese anemone
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Perennials

Anemone x hybrida

Japanese anemone

Ranunculaceae

Garden hybrid (Anemone hupehensis × Anemone vitifolia)

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height36-48 inches (90-120 cm)
Width24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Anemone ×hybrida is a clump-forming perennial reaching 36–48 inches (90–120 cm) tall in bloom and 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) wide, a hybrid group derived from crosses between A. hupehensis and A. vitifolia. Basal leaves are palmately 3-lobed, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across, dark green with coarsely toothed margins. Flowering stems rise well above the foliage mound, carrying branched clusters of cup-shaped flowers 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) across with 5–20 tepals (depending on cultivar) surrounding a central boss of yellow-green stamens. Flower colors range from white to pink across cultivars. Bloom occurs August through October, extending 5–6 weeks. Plants spread by fibrous, somewhat fleshy rhizomatous roots that colonize outward 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) annually once established. New plantings are slow to establish and may not bloom until the second or third year. Spreading can become aggressive in moist, rich soils, particularly in zones 7–8. Plants are late to emerge in spring, with foliage not visible until mid to late April. Root disturbance can cause dieback; avoid transplanting established clumps. All parts contain protoanemonin, an irritant toxic to skin and mucous membranes.

Native Range

Anemone ×hybrida is a garden hybrid group originating from crosses between A. hupehensis (native to central China) and A. vitifolia (native to the Himalayas and southwestern China). First hybridized in European gardens in the mid-19th century.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in mixed borders, woodland edges, and cottage-style gardens at 24–30 inch (60–75 cm) spacing. Late-season bloom fills a gap when most perennials have finished. Not suited to dry soils, hot exposed sites, or confined spaces where spreading rhizomes are not acceptable.

How to Identify

Distinguished from A. hupehensis by taller flower stems (36–48 inches / 90–120 cm vs. 24–36 inches / 60–90 cm) and larger flowers (2–3 inches / 5–8 cm across). Basal leaves are palmately 3-lobed, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across, dark green. Flower stems are branched, carrying multiple buds that open over several weeks. Distinguished from Anemone nemorosa by much larger stature, fall (not spring) bloom, and lobed (not divided) leaves.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink
white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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SummerFall
Flowers August through October in zones 4–8. Total bloom period extends 5–6 weeks as branched stems produce successive buds. In zone 8, bloom may begin in late July. First hard frost ends bloom. Peak display occurs September through early October.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pink, single or semi-double, with yellow stamens

Foliage Description

Dark green, palmately lobed, coarsely toothed

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in spring in humus-rich, consistently moist soil. Plants are slow to establish and may not bloom until the second or third season. Water regularly; plants decline in dry soils. In zones 4–5, mulch the crown with 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) of organic mulch after the first hard frost to protect against winter heaving. Spreading rhizomes can colonize aggressively in rich, moist soils; site where spread is acceptable or use root barriers. Avoid transplanting established clumps — root disturbance causes dieback. Slugs damage emerging foliage in spring.

Pruning

Cut flower stems to the base after bloom finishes in late fall (November) or leave standing through winter and remove in early spring (March) before new growth. No summer pruning required. Division is rarely needed and not recommended due to sensitivity to root disturbance.

Pruning Schedule

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fallearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans