Anemones for Long Island Gardens

Anemone japonica, commonly referred to as Japanese anemones or windflowers, are prized for their beautiful flowers that grace late summer and fall gardens and landscapes. Strong stems hold delicate flowers in shades of pink and rose, or white high above attractive whorls of leaves. This hardy perennial is native to China.

How to grow:

Plant in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Good gardeners will prepare the soil prior to planting by adding compost or composted manure. Sun or part sun (afternoon shade during the heat of the summer) is preferable. Avoid areas with dry soil/insufficient moisture. Plants grown in full sun will need a regular supply of soil moisture.

Uses:

Fall blooming anemones are perfect for beds, borders, or containers. Use as accents in the background of a border as some varieties can grow to three feet tall or choose compact varieties for the foreground of borders so you can be up-close and personal. Another plus – they can be used as cut flowers for floral arrangements for the home.

Worth mentioning:

• Anemones have few, if any problems, making them a sure bet for years of enjoyment.
• Butterflies are attracted to their flowers.
• Established anemones have been known to ‘volunteer’ new plants via seedlings or rhizomes.
• If you garden in deer country, anemones are reported to be deer resistant, and rabbit resistant, too.