Japanese Anemone Anemone × hybrida 'September Charm'
ABOUT
Anemone × hybrida 'September Charm'—also known as Japanese anemone—is a perennial plant known for its charming and graceful late-season blooms. This plant typically bears a profusion of cup-shaped flowers, each presenting a soft and alluring pink hue with a darker shade on the reverse of their petals, lending a two-tone effect. The flowers, carried atop slender stems, gracefully dance with the breeze, adding a touch of whimsy to the garden. The center of each flower consists of a prominent yellow or golden cluster of stamens, which contrast strikingly with the pink petals, drawing pollinators and admirers alike. The foliage of Japanese anemone is also noteworthy, being comprised of dark green leaves with a deeply cut and palmate shape, providing a lush backdrop for the delicate flowers. The overall impression of the 'September Charm' is one of an elegant plant that brings a burst of fresh color and texture to the garden when many other plants are beginning to fade, offering a serene yet joyful presence that lingers into the days of early fall.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Anemone, Hybrid Anemone, Windflower
Common names
Anemone × hybrida 'September Charm'
ToxicityTo humans
The Anemone, commonly known as windflower, can be toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain protoanemonin, which can cause mild to moderate symptoms when ingested, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and saliva production. Skin contact with the sap may cause irritation and blistering. It is advised to handle windflowers with care and ensure that children do not consume any part of the plant.
To pets
The Anemone, also referred to in its common form as windflower, is toxic to pets. If ingested, pets may experience similar symptoms to humans, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible ulceration of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. The protoanemonin content is responsible for the poisonings, and it is important to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting any part of the windflower plant.
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
China Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Anemone 'September Charm' provides aesthetic appeal with its delicate pink flowers, enhancing garden landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in late summer to early fall, offering color when many other plants are fading.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for borders, cottage gardens, and woodland garden settings.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Minimal Maintenance: Requires relatively low maintenance compared to many perennials, making it a convenient choice for gardeners.
- Cold Hardy: Can survive in cold climates, making it suitable for a wide range of geographic locations.
- Long-lasting Blooms: The flowers have a lengthy bloom time, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden.
- Companion Planting: Pairs well with other late-season bloomers and ornamental grasses for a cohesive garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Anemone 'September Charm' can be used as a natural dye, where the petals provide a range of soft colors for fabrics and yarns.
- These flowers can serve as educational tools in botany classes, offering students a hands-on opportunity to study plant anatomy and pollination.
- Anemone 'September Charm' can be pressed and included in craft projects such as homemade paper, bookmarks, or greeting cards for a touch of natural beauty.
- Enthusiasts of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, may use this anemone as a striking element in their arrangements due to its delicate appearance.
- With its attractive blooms, this plant is often used in photographic projects and plant portfolios by amateur and professional photographers alike.
- The strong stems and long-lasting flowers of 'September Charm' make it suitable for use in creating natural, non-toxic ornamental displays for indoor events.
- This variety of anemone can be used in butterfly gardens, as it serves as a nectar source for pollinators in late summer and fall months.
- Anemone 'September Charm' can be planted as part of a winter garden display, as the plant structure provides visual interest even after the flowers have faded.
- This plant's aesthetic appeal can inspire artists and designers, who might use its form, pattern, and color as a basis for textiles, wallpaper designs, or other visual arts.
- Landscape architects may utilize Anemone 'September Charm' in their plans for creating serene and peaceful garden settings in places like hospices or retreat centers.
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 or abandoned love - In Greek mythology, the anemone flower is associated with the death of Adonis, Aphrodite's love, who was killed by a wild boar. Anemones sprang from her tears, symbolizing the loss of love.
- Anticipation - The anemone closes in the evening and opens in the morning, which can be seen as an anticipation for the new day or events to come.
- Protection against evil - The name "anemone" is derived from the Greek word "anemos," meaning wind. It was believed that the anemone, as a windflower, could ward off evil spirits that travel on the wind.
WaterJapanese anemone, including 'September Charm', requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. It is best to water these plants deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which equates to roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. The goal is to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 4 inches to encourage root growth. During hotter periods, additional watering may be necessary to maintain soil moisture, but always check the soil first to avoid overwatering. It's important to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.
LightJapanese anemone thrives in partial shade to full sun. The optimal location is one where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. In cooler regions, Japanese anemone can tolerate more sun, but in all cases, it should be protected from the harsh midday sun to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureJapanese anemone prefers moderate temperatures and can survive a temperature range from about 20°F to 85°F. The ideal temperature for optimal growth is between 65°F and 75°F. They are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8 and can withstand cold winters with appropriate mulching to protect their roots.
PruningJapanese anemone should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Additionally, pruning in late fall or early spring helps maintain a tidy appearance and supports vigorous growth. Dead leaves and stems should be cut back to ground level in late fall after the first frost or in early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Anemone 'September Charm' thrives in a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. A good mix for this plant includes equal parts of loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand to aid in drainage. Adding organic matter each year will help maintain soil fertility and structure.
RepottingJapanese Anemone 'September Charm' does not require frequent repotting as it is more commonly grown outdoors. In a garden setting, dividing the plant every 3-4 years in the spring helps to maintain its vigor.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Anemone 'September Charm' prefers average garden humidity conditions. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in its natural outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protected from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAnemone × hybrida 'September Charm', commonly known as Japanese Anemone, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which is often inconsistent and can be enhanced by stratification. Following germination, seedlings establish a root system and produce a basal rosette of leaves. As the plant matures, it develops long, branching stems with deeply divided leaves, and in late summer to early fall, it enters the flowering stage, adorned with delicate, pink-hued blossoms. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers produce dry, woolly fruits containing seeds, which can be dispersed by wind. Post-blooming, the plant enters senescence in late autumn, with above-ground parts dying back while the fibrous root system and rhizomes overwinter underground. In spring, new growth emerges from the rhizomes, completing the cycle and starting the growth process anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: The Japanese Anemone 'September Charm' can be propagated most effectively through division, which is ideally done in spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of plants and gently separate the roots into sections, each with at least one growth point or bud. These divisions should then be replanted immediately at the same soil depth they were originally growing at, ensuring that the roots are well spread out and the soil is firmed around them. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method ensures genetic consistency with the parent plant and can quickly result in a new, flowering plant within a season or two.
