Japanese anemone Anemone x hybrida

Hybrid anemones or windflowers are herbaceous perennials in the  Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. They grow 1- 1.5 feet tall and up to 3 feet tall when in bloom. Windflowers spread by rhizomes and make a good ground cover when given room to spread. In milder climates, they can be nearly evergreen. It has a mounding habit and the flowers come in various colors, are held above the foliage on wiry stems, blooming from late summer to fall.

Windflowers prefer moist but well-drained and fertile soils that are not allowed to dry out.  Avoid planting in wet soils. In the south, they will do best in part shade to prevent burning the foliage and drying out. In the north, they will do best with mulching well for winter. They may be slow to establish.

Use this plant as a ground cover, in borders, naturalized areas or mass plantings.

Insects. Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Flea beetles, caterpillars, and slugs are occasional pests.  Susceptible to Synchytrium leaf gall, downy mildew, Septoria leaf spot, powdery mildew, and some viruses. Taller plants may need some staking or other support.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.