Anemone x hybrida (A. japonica), commonly called windflower or Japanese anemone, is a hybrid category which includes a large number of pink or white flowered cultivars that bloom from late summer into fall, adding some great fall color when other perennials are done. These cultivars vary somewhat in form but generally are erect, clump-forming, fibrous-rooted, woody-based perennials which typically grow to 2-4 feet tall on stems clad with oval, palmate toothed leaves.

Windflowers are best grown in organically rich, humusy, evenly moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Soils must not be allowed to dry out. Plants are best sited in part-shade locations with protection from harsh wind. Foliage tends to burn in hot, dry, sunny summer conditions. Plants may be slow to establish, but, once established, will naturalize in the garden by spreading rhizomes to form large colonies. Plant in full sun to part-shade. Lovely as a woodland flower, they are deer resistant. They also make a good cut flower for arrangements. The genus is from the Greek word for windflower.

Here are a several varieties that we carry:

Anemone × hybrida 'September Charm': This vigorous, mounding variety typically grows to 3-4 feet tall and provides excellent late summer to early fall bloom. 2 - 3 inch diameter silvery pink flowers with darker rose shadings and yellow center stamens appear on long graceful, branching stems over an attractive foliage mound of usually trifoliate, dark green, basal leaves. Synonymous with and formerly designated as Anemone hupensis var. japonica 'September Charm'.

Anemone × hybrida 'Whirlwind': This variety typically grows to 3 feet, blooming 2 inch white, elegant, ruffled semi-double, flowers with frilly, yellow stamen centers. The flowers adorn tall stems above an attractive mound of rich dark green leaves. 'Whirlwind' is one of the most stunning plants in the fall garden.

Anemone × hybrida 'Party Dress': A staple item for the fall border, A. 'Party Dress' is an outstanding hybrid with attractive, glossy green foliage. Fluffy, pink, double flowers, up to double the size of most other Japanese Anenomes, are prolific beginning in late summer. Watching them sway in the breeze brings a feeling of calm and peace to the garden. This variety continues to bloom well into fall, and can usually withstand a light frost. Try planting it with other fall bloomers such as mums, asters, Eupatorium, and Clematis terniflora (sweet autumn).