Queen Charlotte Anemone Anemone × hybrida 'Königin Charlotte'
ABOUT
The Anemone × hybrida 'Königin Charlotte', more commonly known as Queen Charlotte Japanese anemone, is a captivating perennial plant that displays an elegant floral show late in the season when many other plants have finished blooming. This particular variety is noted for its striking flowers, which tend to be semi-double and exhibit a soft pink hue reminiscent of pastel shades. These blossoms possess a rounded shape with numerous petals that radiate around a central cluster of golden-yellow stamens, creating an alluring contrast against the delicate pink petals. The foliage of the Queen Charlotte Japanese anemone is equally attractive, adding to the plant's overall ornamental value. It has a lush, mounding growth habit with leaves that are dark green and deeply lobed. The texture of the leaves tends to be somewhat coarse, with a slightly serrated edge that gives each leaf a unique, intricate silhouette. As autumn approaches, the leaves may acquire tinges of reddish or bronze hues, subtly nodding to the changing seasons. This anemone variety typically forms loose clumps that can contribute to a naturalized appearance in garden settings, making it a versatile addition to borders or as a backdrop for lower-growing plants. The Queen Charlotte Japanese anemone is also known for its graceful swaying movement, with the flowers dancing atop slender, branching stems that emerge from the foliage below. This adds a dynamic and whimsical element to gardens, particularly when planted in groups where their collective beauty can be fully appreciated. Overall, the plant brings a touch of romantic charm and a splash of late-season color to any landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Queen Charlotte Anemone, Königin Charlotte Japanese Anemone, Königin Charlotte Windflower
Common names
Anemone × hybrida 'Queen Charlotte', Anemone × elegans 'Königin Charlotte'
ToxicityTo humans
The Queen Charlotte anemone contains several toxic compounds, including protoanemonin, which is released from the plant's glycosides when the plant is bruised or damaged. Ingesting parts of this plant can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal tract irritation, resulting in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In rare cases, and with significant ingestion, more severe symptoms such as respiratory difficulties, dizziness or even convulsions may occur. It is important for humans to avoid consuming or handling parts of the plant, especially with bare hands, as skin irritation can also arise from contact.
To pets
The Queen Charlotte anemone is also toxic to pets and primarily affects cats and dogs if they ingest any part of the plant. The toxicity is due to protoanemonin, which can cause severe irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of poisoning in pets might include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In more serious instances, an animal may experience tremors, seizures, or even collapse. Pet owners should ensure that their animals do not chew on or ingest any part of the plant to prevent poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Anemone × hybrida 'Königin Charlotte', commonly known as Queen Charlotte Windflower, has showy pink flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity and the health of the local ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms late in the season, usually in late summer to fall, providing color and interest in the garden when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Queen Charlotte Windflower requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners with limited time.
- Drought Tolerance: The plant is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it suited for dry climate gardens.
- Disease Resistance: It's generally resistant to many common plant diseases, which helps to reduce the need for chemical treatments.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is not a preferred food source for deer, which can help prevent damage in areas with high deer populations.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover, thanks to its spreading habit.
- Long Blooming Period: With a long flowering period, it provides prolonged visual interest in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: Due to their beauty, Japanese anemones are often photographed by professionals and hobbyists to capture the delicate structure of the flowers and vibrant colors.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may use Japanese anemones as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other forms of artwork to showcase the intricate details and soft aesthetic of the blooms.
- Dye Production: The pigments in the petals of some flowers can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, though there's not a widespread tradition of this for Japanese anemones specifically.
- Educational Tool: Botany teachers can use Japanese anemones to educate students about plant biology, hybridization, and the growth habits of perennial flowers.
- Wedding Decor: The flowers are a popular choice for fall wedding arrangements, bouquets, and decorations, adding elegance and seasonal color.
- Floating Decorations: Petals of the Japanese anemone can be floated in bowls of water for a simple and elegant decorative touch at events or in home décor.
- Garden Competitions: Gardeners may cultivate Japanese anemones to enter into horticultural shows or local garden competitions for their aesthetic appeal.
- Creative Crafts: The flowers and foliage can be used in dried flower arrangements or to make floral wreaths and other decorative crafts.
- Culinary Decoration: While not edible, the flowers may be used as a non-toxic decoration to embellish cakes and desserts for a floral presentation.
- Companion Planting: Japanese anemones can be used in gardens as companion plants to provide support and contrast to other late-blooming perennials.
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- Anticipation: The Anemone, known as the windflower, often symbolizes anticipation or expectation, possibly relating to the way its blossoms close up at night or during wind, as if eagerly waiting for the next day.
- Fragility: Because Anemones can be delicate and their petals easily bruised or damaged, they often represent a sense of fleeting beauty and the fragile nature of life.
- Forsaken love: In the language of flowers, anemones sometimes stand for forsaken or abandoned love, potentially originating from the myth of Aphrodite mourning the death of Adonis, with anemones said to have sprung from her tears.
- Protection against evil: Folklore suggests that anemones also symbolize protection against evil and ill wishes, thought to arise from the ancient belief that the anemone was created by the protectionist wind god Aeolus.
WaterFor the Japanese anemone 'Königin Charlotte', it's important to maintain consistent moisture in the soil, especially during the growing season. Water them thoroughly to ensure the soil is moist to the root level, which typically means providing about one inch of water weekly. During particularly hot or dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, monitoring the soil moisture to prevent it from drying out. In winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less water. It’s best to water in the morning to allow leaves to dry out during the day, which helps to prevent disease.
LightThe Japanese anemone 'Königin Charlotte' thrives in partial shade to full sun. When grown in hotter climates, a spot that provides morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal to protect the plant from intense heat. In cooler climates, full sun is acceptable as long as the plant is not subject to harsh midday sun. Adequate light is essential for robust growth and a profuse flowering season.
TemperatureJapanese anemone 'Königin Charlotte' can survive a range of temperatures, withstanding minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F. The plant prefers a temperate climate with ideal temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F during the growing season. To thrive, it should be protected from extreme heat and harsh freezing temperatures.
PruningPruning the Japanese anemone 'Königin Charlotte' is mainly done to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom in the fall. Deadhead the spent blossoms regularly to keep the plant looking tidy and to promote further flowering. After the first killing frost, cut back the foliage to ground level to help prevent disease and prepare the plant for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese anemone 'Königin Charlotte' thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.6 to 7.5. A good mix would be garden soil, compost, and leaf mold to ensure fertility and drainage.
RepottingJapanese anemones, including 'Königin Charlotte', generally do not need frequent repotting. They are perennial plants that can be divided every few years to manage growth and vigor.
Humidity & MistingJapanese anemone 'Königin Charlotte' prefers average humidity conditions and does not require special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors in its preferred climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and keep soil lightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds, ensure soil is moist.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Anemone × hybrida 'Königin Charlotte', commonly known as Queen Charlotte Japanese anemone, begins its life cycle as a seed that requires a period of cold stratification to germinate. Once conditions are favorable in spring, the seeds germinate and the plant starts to develop a root system and foliage, growing as a herbaceous perennial. During the growing season, the plant develops long stems and attractive foliage, followed by the formation of distinctive pink flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. After pollination, which is commonly assisted by wind and insects, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife. As winter approaches, the plant enters a dormancy phase where the above-ground growth dies back, while the root system remains alive beneath the soil. With the return of warm weather in the following spring, the plant emerges from dormancy and continues its growth cycle, maturing and eventually flowering anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
The Anemone x hybrida 'Königin Charlotte', commonly known as the Queen Charlotte anemone, is most effectively propagated by division. This is best carried out in late fall after the flowering period has ended or in early spring before new growth emerges. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the anemone clump, ensuring to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with at least one growth point. Replant the sections at the same soil depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish the new divisions. This method allows the gardener to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent and will typically flower within the first or second year after division.
