Japanese anemones

Just as summer’s borders begin to change, Japanese anemones come into their own. Slender stems rise above fresh green leaves and carry open flowers in white or shades of pink, often with golden centres. Also known as Japanese windflowers, they bring a gentle, luminous quality to the late summer garden. Their blooms continue into autumn, giving you something lovely to look forward to when many earlier flowers have finished.

A group of Japanese anemone plants can light up a partially shaded border, especially against the deeper greens of shrubs or ferns. The flowers sit high enough to be seen among neighbouring perennials, while the foliage fills the space beneath them. They are equally at home in a more natural planting scheme, where their stems can lean and mingle freely. Choose a position where you can give them room: once established, these perennials gradually spread into generous clumps.

Japanese anemones grow best in fertile soil that stays moist but drains well, particularly through a wet UK winter. Partial shade suits them beautifully, though they can also flower in sun if the soil does not dry out. Water while they establish and during prolonged dry spells; an annual mulch of garden compost helps retain moisture. Explore Japanese anemone bare roots and plants to find the flower colour and eventual height that fit your space, then enjoy the quiet pleasure of a border still blooming as autumn arrives.