The short answer

Quick Answer

Japanese Anemone thrives in partial shade or full shade on most soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 90cm to 1.2m tall in flower, 50 to 80cm spread. Hardy to around -20°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Cut back after flowering in late autumn or leave seed heads for winter

How: Cut all stems to ground level in autumn or spring

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: China, despite the common name. Naturalised in Japan for centuries

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: First described in China in the 8th century. Brought to Europe in 1844 by Robert Fortune

Folklore: In Chinese culture, anemones are sometimes associated with abandoned love because the flowers appear to bow their heads

Fun fact: Despite the name, Japanese anemones actually originate from China. They were brought to Europe via Japan in the 1800s

Historical medicinal uses: None significant. Some species toxic

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees and hoverflies. Late season nectar important for queens building up for winter [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 7 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Late nectar source[3][4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowering August to October[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs with asters, helenium, rudbeckia and ornamental grasses for late summer colour

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Powdery mildew in dry conditions. Slug damage on young shoots

Invasive note: Can be vigorous in light soils. Choose sterile cultivars like Honorine Jobert if concerned. See RHS anemone page

CGM care note

Japanese anemones can be slow to establish in the first year and then suddenly romp away. We tell clients to give them at least two seasons before deciding they are not happy.

CGM guides mentioning Japanese Anemone

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Japanese Anemone and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Japanese Anemone

How Japanese Anemone fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Hydrangea, shares moisture preference, plant together in damp spots or near water features
  • Astilbe, shares moisture preference, plant together in damp spots or near water features
  • Hosta (Plantain Lily), shares moisture preference, plant together in damp spots or near water features
  • Hardy Garden Ferns, shares moisture preference, plant together in damp spots or near water features
  • Agapanthus (African Lily), extends the flowering season, peaks July to September when early perennials have finished
  • Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan), extends the flowering season, peaks July to September when early perennials have finished

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Japanese Anemone.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Japanese Anemone are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis and A. x hybrida). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Japanese Anemone. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Anemone hupehensis and A. x hybrida. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Ranunculaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Wang W, Liu Y, Yu SX, et al. (2014). Ranunculaceae phylogeny and evolution. Journal of Systematics and Evolution, 52(2), 161-174.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Ranunculaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, biodiversity_value.

  4. 4
    Garbuzov M, Ratnieks FLW (2014). Quantifying variation among garden plants in attractiveness to bees and other flower-visiting insects. Functional Ecology, 28(2), 364-374.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 for Japanese Anemone. The pollinator description above ("Bees and hoverflies. Late season nectar important for queens building up for winter") aligns with this study's finding that moderate-ranked plants attract a steady but not exceptional number of flower-visiting insects. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Late nectar source") reflects the plant's supplementary role in providing nectar during its flowering window (Seasonal highlight: "Flowering August to October"). Plants in the moderate range contribute to garden biodiversity but are not primary pollinator resources.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 7/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees and hoverflies. Late season nectar important for queens building up for winter"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Japanese Anemone's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Late nectar source") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Japanese Anemone. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Japanese Anemone's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Ranunculaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Japanese Anemone. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Japanese Anemone. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Japanese Anemone. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Japanese Anemone. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Japanese Anemone. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Japanese Anemone. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Japanese Anemone. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Japanese Anemone performs well locally

Towns where Japanese Anemone is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover