Japanese anemone 'Elegans' Anemone × hybrida 'Elegans'
ABOUT
'Elegans' is a tall, erect perennial with ternate foliage and, from late summer to autumn, bowl-shaped, light pink flowers to 7cm across, with broad outer petals, and narrow inner ones
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Hybrid Anemone, Japanese Anemone, Windflower, Thimbleweed, Elegans Anemone
Common names
Anemone × elegans, Anemone hupehensis var. japonica 'Elegans'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
China Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Anemone × hybrida 'Elegans', commonly known as the Japanese Anemone, has eye-catching, pink flowers that can enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Extended Blooming Season: Japanese Anemones generally bloom from late summer to fall, providing color when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Attracts Pollinators: These plants can attract butterflies and bees, which are beneficial for pollinating gardens and supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Japanese Anemones are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for garden borders, mass plantings, and woodland settings, these plants can be used in a variety of landscape designs.
- Drought Tolerance: They can tolerate periods of drought once established, making them a good choice for gardens in drier climates.
- Deer Resistance: Japanese Anemones are generally resistant to deer, making them a great option for areas where deer are a common problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Anemone × hybrida 'Elegans', commonly known as Japanese anemone, can be used as a natural dye source, imparting subtle colors to fabrics and yarns.
- The fibrous stems of Japanese anemones can be utilized in papermaking, adding texture and decorative elements to handmade papers.
- Dried seed heads of the Japanese anemone provide visual interest in floral arrangements and can be sprayed with metallic paint for a festive look.
- Japanese anemones can be planted in outdoor labyrinth designs as a meditative space, blooming along the paths in late summer to fall.
- The blossoms of Japanese anemone are edible when properly cleaned and can be used to garnish desserts or salads for an elegant touch.
- Japanese anemone leaves offer a green, lush backdrop in terrariums or bottle gardens, providing contrast to smaller foliage plants.
- Live Japanese anemone plants can be used as a part of living fences or privacy screens, especially in cottage-style gardens.
- In craft projects, pressed flowers of the Japanese anemone add beauty to bookmarks, greeting cards, and other paper crafts.
- The plant can act as a natural indicator of seasonal change in educational settings, with its flowering time signaling the transition from summer to fall.
- The stems and leaves of Japanese anemones can be used creatively in nature-inspired art projects, such as leaf rubbing or botanical prints.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese anemone is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese anemone is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Forsaken Love: Anemone, particularly the red and pink varieties, are often associated with forsaken or unrequited love, perhaps due to their delicate appearance, which could symbolize a sensitive heart.
- Protection Against Evil: In folklore, anemones were believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits, which is why they were often planted around homes and gardens.
- Anticipation: Because anemones close up at night and open in the morning, they have become symbols of anticipation, representing the act of waiting for something to happen or someone to arrive.
- Fading Hope: The tendency of the anemone flower to die quickly after being picked has led it to symbolize fading hope or a feeling of having been abandoned.
WaterFor the Japanese anemone 'Elegans', it's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In general, watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to 1 inch of water per week. In hotter, drier conditions, they may need more frequent watering, possibly twice a week. Best practice is to water deeply and infrequently, as this encourages root growth. It’s better to provide the plants with about a gallon of water per square foot every week, adjusted for rainfall, rather than frequent light sprinklings.
LightJapanese anemones like 'Elegans' thrive best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. The ideal spot for these plants is one where they are protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. Morning sunlight with dappled afternoon shade is perfect for promoting healthy growth and bloom production.
Temperature'Elegans' Japanese anemone does well in a wide range of temperatures, though it prefers mild conditions. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 5 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate heat up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune 'Elegans' Japanese anemone to maintain plant health and appearance, removing any dead or damaged stems and spent flowers after blooming to encourage a second flush of blooms. The best time for pruning is in late fall or early spring before new growth starts. Annual thinning of the clumps can promote air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Japanese anemones like Anemone × hybrida 'Elegans' is well-draining, fertile, and humus-rich. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 5.6 to 7.5. A blend of loamy garden soil, compost, and leaf mold is ideal.
RepottingJapanese anemones typically do not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted if they outgrow their current space or if the soil becomes depleted.
Humidity & MistingJapanese anemones prefer moderate humidity levels, which mimic their natural forest floor habitat. They do not require special humidity considerations when grown outside, but avoid placing them in overly dry environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water regularly, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleJapanese anemone 'Elegans' begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in late spring grows into a seedling with characteristic basal leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a robust root system and foliage that is divided into deeply lobed leaves. In summer, stalks elongate and bud formation takes place, leading to flowering in late summer to autumn, showcasing eye-catching simple to semi-double pink flowers with yellow stamens. After pollination, mostly by insects, the plant produces dry, woolly fruits containing seeds. During winter, herbage dies back, and the plant enters dormancy, relying on its perennial rootstock to survive. With the return of spring, new growth emerges from the rootstock, repeating the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating the Japanese Anemone Elegans, a hybrid anemone, is by division. This is typically done in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the anemone clumps and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has ample roots and a few shoots. These divisions can then be replanted immediately at the same depth they were growing at previously, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. Avoid disturbing the roots excessively as this can lead to transplant shock, and make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
