Japanese Anemone Anemone × hybrida 'Pretty Lady Susan' (Pretty Lady Series)
ABOUT
The Anemone 'Pretty Lady Susan' is a captivating perennial that displays an elegant floral charm, making it a delightful addition to any garden setting. This variety, belonging to the Pretty Lady Series, unfurls large, deep pink blooms which resemble delicate, silken cups. The flowers are composed of a generous number of rounded petals that surround a central cluster of golden-yellow stamens, creating an eye-catching contrast. The effervescent blossoms are poised atop slender, branching stems that sway gracefully with the breeze. Beneath the floral display, the plant sports a lush mound of foliage. The leaves are dark green in color, deeply lobed, and have a slightly serrated edge, contributing to an attractive, textural groundcover when the plant is not in bloom. The leaves' rich color and intricate form provide an appealing backdrop for the vivid flowers, accentuating their beauty. 'Pretty Lady Susan' blooms from late summer into the fall, making it an excellent choice for extending the garden's color palette into the later months of the gardening season. The plant emanates a sense of whimsy and romance, whether planted en masse, intermingled with other perennials in borders, or simply enjoyed as a solitary specimen.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Anemone, Hybrid Anemone
Common names
Anemone × hybrida 'Pretty Lady Susan'
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese anemone, specifically Anemone × hybrida 'Pretty Lady Susan', is considered to be poisonous to humans. The plant contains toxic compounds like protoanemonin, which can cause skin irritation upon contact. If ingested, parts of the plant can irritate the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. It is crucial to avoid consuming any part of the plant to prevent these adverse effects.
To pets
The Japanese anemone is also toxic to pets. Ingesting any part of this plant can cause mouth and gastrointestinal irritation, leading to drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to prevent pets from chewing or ingesting this plant to avoid the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is known to attract butterflies and bees, which are beneficial for pollination and the overall health of the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant colors and elegant flowers, Anemone 'Pretty Lady Susan' adds beauty and visual interest to any garden or landscape.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is considered relatively easy to cultivate, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Long Blooming: The plant boasts a long flowering period, often providing color and interest from late summer into fall.
- Low Maintenance: Anemone 'Pretty Lady Susan' typically requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: The plant is less palatable to deer and rabbits, reducing the likelihood of it being eaten by these common garden pests.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, beds, and as part of cut flower arrangements.
- Compact Size: Being part of the Pretty Lady Series, this variety tends to have a more compact growth habit, suitable for small gardens or containers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Anemone plants, such as the Anemone × hybrida 'Pretty Lady Susan', can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding a vibrant and elegant touch to bouquets and centerpieces.
- The long stems and attractive blooms of the Anemone make it an ideal candidate for crafting dried flower arrangements or potpourri once the flowers have faded and dried.
- Anemone petals can be used in natural dye production, offering a range of subtle colors to textiles, depending on the mordant used.
- In artistic depictions, the Anemone flower symbolizes anticipation and has been used in paintings to convey this sentiment.
- The striking flowers of Anemones can serve as a natural inspiration for artists and designers, influencing patterns in fabric, wallpaper, and other decorative elements.
- Anemones are often used in educational settings such as biology or botany courses to teach about plant reproduction and seasonal growth patterns.
- The flower can be used in photography projects as a subject due to its distinctive appearance, especially for macro photography enthusiasts.
- Anemones can be integrated into eco-friendly landscaping as a means of attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to gardens and green spaces.
- The plant's ability to spread can be utilized in erosion control, as it can help stabilize soil in sloped garden areas.
- Creative hobbyists might use the spent seed heads in craft projects, such as creating natural decorative displays or for adding texture to mixed media art.
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 and Hope: The anemone flower, in general, symbolizes anticipation and the hope for a future event or the arrival of a loved one due to its nature of closing at night and reopening with the morning light.
- Fragility: As the anemone is delicate and can be easily damaged by wind and rain, it signifies fragility and the need to handle situations or relationships with care.
- Protection Against Evil: In ancient times, anemones were believed to ward off illnesses and evil, due to a myth involving the goddess Venus and the death of her love, Adonis, where anemones sprung from his blood.
- Forsaken Love: Anemones are also linked to the theme of forsaken love, or love that is unrequited or has ended tragically, again stemming from the legend of Venus and Adonis.
WaterJapanese anemones, including 'Pretty Lady Susan', should be watered regularly, especially during their blooming period and in the absence of rainfall. They thrive in evenly moist soil, so aim to keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. During the active growing season, water them with about one inch of water per week. Adjust watering frequency based on weather conditions, watering more during dry, hot spells and scaling back when it's cooler or rainy. It’s best to water these plants at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightJapanese anemones like 'Pretty Lady Susan' prefer a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. They perform best in areas that get morning sun and light, dappled shade in the afternoon, especially in regions with hot summers. Avoid deep shade, as too little light can result in fewer blooms and leggy growth.
TemperatureJapanese anemones such as 'Pretty Lady Susan' grow best in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 20°F and a maximum temperature around 85°F, beyond which they may require protection or additional watering to stay healthy. The ideal growing conditions for Japanese anemones are in cooler climates that mirror their native habitats.
PruningPruning Japanese anemones like 'Pretty Lady Susan' is mainly done to remove spent flowers and encourage additional blooming. After the first flush of blooms fades, cut back the flower stems to a pair of healthy leaves to stimulate a second bloom period. Additionally, prune back dead foliage in late fall or early spring to clean up the plant and promote healthy new growth. It's generally not necessary to prune these plants heavily; light maintenance is typically enough.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Anemone prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.6 and 7.5. A soil mix with garden loam, compost, and leaf mold is excellent for promoting healthy growth.
RepottingJapanese Anemone typically does not require frequent repotting as it is often grown as an outdoor perennial. Repotting every 3-4 years or when the plant outgrows its container is adequate.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Anemone thrives in average garden humidity conditions. It does not have specific humidity requirements, but it benefits from the moisture that typical outdoor settings provide.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, frequent watering, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, sheltered from strong winds, with ample moisture.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAnemone × hybrida 'Pretty Lady Susan', commonly known as Windflower, begins its life as a seed, which upon sowing undergoes germination when conditions of moisture, temperature, and light are suitable. The seedling emerges, developing a rosette of leaves at the soil level and a root system that will become a rhizome, a characteristic of many Anemone species. This perennial plant then enters a vegetative growth stage, where foliage expands and the plant grows in size, readying itself for the flowering stage. During late summer or early fall, Windflower produces stalks topped with large, attractive flowers, often a deep pink hue, attracting pollinators which aid in reproduction. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which may be dispersed by wind or wildlife, and as temperatures drop, it enters dormancy, with foliage dying back while the rhizome survives underground. In spring, the cycle resumes as the rhizome produces new growth, leading to a repeat of the aforementioned cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Japanese anemone 'Pretty Lady Susan', part of the Pretty Lady Series, is commonly propagated by division, ideally during the spring months when the plant is emerging from dormancy and has the entire growing season ahead to establish itself. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant from the soil and use a sharp spade or knife to separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each new piece has a portion of the root system attached. Replant these divisions promptly into a well-prepared bed, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and help reduce transplant shock. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing new plants that are true to the parent's characteristics.
