Anemone – Japanese Anemone – Easy to Grow Tall Perennial

Japanese Anemone are perennials that are characterised by tall stalks and flat wide single flowers in an array of different colours. They are simple to grow but in heavy shade tend to get leggy and require support. This is especially true for the Japanese Anemone but there are varieties such as the ‘wood anemone’ that grow closer to the ground and ideal for more shady areas.

Popular hybrids like the ‘Richard Ahrens’ can grow up to 1 metre tall and has flowers of 7-8cm across. The contrasting pale pink with dark pink edge and vivid yellow stamens make a pleasing contrast with lush green surroundings. They are easy to grow and will spread if not restrained.

In the winter they will recede back to the tuberous roots and re-appear in the spring provided the roots have not been waterlogged.

Due to their height and little need for attention they are a good option for mid flower border or informal cottage garden and will attract insects and other wildlife to add to the an overall healthy ecology.

Anemone Japanese 1

Rank

Species

Names

Scientific name:

Anemone x hybrida

Common Names:

Japanese Anemone

Genus:

Anemone

Family:

Ranunculaceae

Related Plants:

Buttercup, Clematis, Aquilegia

Growing Conditions

Position:

full sun, partial shade

Soil Type:

sandy, loamy, chalky, clay

Soil pH:

acid, neutral, alkaline

Moisture:

moist, well drained

Similar Posts

  • Meconopsis – Himalayan Poppy

    Meconopsis is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Papaveraceae or Poppy family. These plants are often known for their beautiful blue petals, but they also come in a variety of purple, white and yellow. Commonly referred to as Himalayan Poppy as they are found natively in the Himalayan Mountains. Given their natural habitat, these plants are fairly hardy, but remain difficult to because being monocarpic they only flower and set seed only once.

    Meconopsis Taxonomy

    The name comes from the Greek for ‘poppy like’, and so other Poppy type flowers were Meconopsis genus. Most Poppies are listed in their own Papaver genus, Papaver being Latin for Poppy, but the Meconopsis genus is kept separate for these Himalayan flowers. All poppies belong to the Order Ranunculales, or Buttercups.

    Meconopsis Strathspey Himalayan Poppy single

    Rank

    Genus

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Meconopsis

    Common Names:

    Himalayan Poppy

    Genus:

    Meconopsis

    Family:

    Papavercaceae

    Related Plants:

    Poppy, Buttercup

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    partial shade, sheltered

    Soil Type:

    clay, loamy

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral

    Moisture:

    moist, well drained

  • Calceolaria or Slipper Flower

    Calceolaria are a genus flowering plant from the family, Calceolariaceae. Commonly called the Slipper Flower, Lady’s Purse and Slipperwort, due to unusual flowers that resemble slippers or purses and calceolaria being from the Latin for shoe. Currently, there are only 3 genera in its family, although others may soon follow as modern dna analysis is re-classifying plants into their families. There are over 388 species of Calceolaria and that covers a wide range of different plants

    Natively, these plants are found mainly in the Andes Mountains but also anywhere from Southern Patagonia to Central Mexico. Many modern hybrids can be found to brighten up garden pots and hanging baskets.

    Calceolaria Slipper flower acid yellow close up 1

    Rank

    Genus

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Calceolaria

    Common Names:

    Slipper Flower, Lady’s Purse, Slipperwort

    Genus:

    Calceolaria

    Family:

    Calceolariaceae

    Related Plants:

    Porodittia, Jovellana

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun, partial shade, sheltered

    Soil Type:

    sandy, loamy, clay

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral

    Moisture:

    moist

  • Camassia quamash

    Camassia quamash is a herbaceous perennial that resembles Bluebells and Hyacinth. That’s because it belongs to the same family Asparagaceae. Native of North America they are hardy in non-extreme climates. They readily spread if not contained to fill up any welcoming environment.

    Camassia quamash

    Rank

    Species

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Camassia quamash

    Common Names:

    camash

    Genus:

    Camassia

    Family:

    Asparagaceae

    Related Plants:

    Bluebells, Hyacinth

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun, partial shade

    Soil Type:

    chalky, sandy, loamy

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral, alkaline

    Moisture:

    moist, well drained

  • Agapanthus – African Lily – Tall Globe Shaped Flower Heads to Lift a Summer Border

    Agapanthus plants are tall with a globe of flowers on a single stem, not unlike their cousins, Alliums, and Amaryllis. Predominantly blues, purple and white with bigger more dramatic flowers than Alliums. Native to Southern Africa, and commonly called African Lilies although they are not Lilies at all. They love the sun, well-drained soil but can also stand some drought. Ideal for keeping in pots as you can control spread and concentrate the flowering.

    Agapanthus-African Lily Blue

    Rank

    Genus

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Agapanthus

    Common Names:

    African Lily, Lily of the Nile

    Genus:

    Agapanthus

    Family:

    Amaryllidaceae

    Related Plants:

    Allium, Amaryllis, Narcissus

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun

    Soil Type:

    sandy, loamy

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral, alkaline

    Moisture:

    moist, well drained

  • Acer palmatum – Japanese Maple

    Acer palmatum or Japanese Maple provide excellent colour and structure to the garden. Green, yellow, orange to dark red, they help to break up a sea of greenery. Colours changing through the season and bare skeletons in the late autumn and winter months.

    Here in our focus image, we have two similar but distinct varieties. The name palmatum comes from the similarity to the human hand or palm with leaves spread out like fingers. These fingers can be dissected as in the far Acer or doubly dissected as in the near Acer. The double dissection making the leaves like feathers.

    There are also two basic structures here. The far Japanese Maple is an upright Acer, whilst the near is more of a weeping Acer. The weeping structure provides a pleasing dome shape to the plant.

    Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple - two varieties

    Rank

    Species

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Acer palmatum

    Common Names:

    Japanese Maple

    Genus:

    Acer

    Family:

    Sapindaceae

    Related Plants:

    Acer, Maple, Sycamore

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    partial shade

    Soil Type:

    sandy, loamy, chalky, peaty

    Soil pH:

    weak-acid, neutral

    Moisture:

    damp, well drained

  • Antirrhinum – Snapdragon – border annual for a blaze of colour

    Antirrhinum, commonly known as snapdragons, are a bright, bold colourful flowering border plant. The name “snapdragon” comes from the unique shape of the flowers, which resemble the face of a dragon that “snaps” open and shut when squeezed. The name Antirrhinum comes from the Greek, anti or opposite (or fake) and rhinos or nose. So again being like an animal’s mouth.

    Antirrhinum, or snapdragon, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae. These plants are native to Europe, North America, and North Africa. Whilst they are generally annuals, some are perennials or even sub-shrubs. They generally have a long flowering season from early summer to mid-autumn. Flowers start to bloom from the bottom of a thick stem and continue to bloom right up to the top. To keep them looking their best you can dead-head regularly once the lower flowers are looking spent.

    Antirrhinum Snapdragon 5

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Antirrhinum

    Common Names:

    Snapdragon

    Genus:

    Antirrhinum

    Family:

    Plantaginaceae

    Related Plants:

    Digitalis (Foxgloves), Hebe, Penstemon

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun, partial shade

    Soil Type:

    sandy, chalky, loamy

    Soil pH:

    slightly acid, neutral

    Moisture:

    moist, well drained

    Rank

    Genus

    Do snapdragons like shade or sun? The answer to that is more complex. They can tolerate full sun or partial shade, as long as it is not too harsh. They do not have resilience to hot and dry climates but rather they like cool sun, moisture but well drained.

    They are also known to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, so can add to the overall biodiversity of your garden or border. In addition to their ornamental appeal, snapdragons can serve practical functions in the garden. They can act as a natural deterrent for certain pests due to their strong scent. Planting them near vegetables or herbs can provide a natural repellent effect, thus protecting your crops. This symbiotic relationship between flowers and food plants can create a healthier garden ecosystem.

    From a size perspective, they can range from 6 inches to 3-4 feet high. So choose your plants carefully, and plant in the right position to maximise the flowering display in relation tote other plants around them. Depending on how far back in the border they will be to give that layered look to the border. Dwarf varieties, of course, are perfect for the front of border.

    As an annual plant, snapdragons usually complete their life cycle from seed to seed in one growing season. They can be used as cut flowers, making them a popular choice for bouquets and arrangements. When cut, snapdragons can last up to two weeks in a vase, allowing their beauty to be enjoyed indoors as well.

    Snapdragons can be grown from seeds, which should be sown indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Alternatively, once the threat of frost has passed, they can be directly sown outdoors. Plants should be given adequately space to allow for their growth, typically around 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety. 

    Modern varieties can be resilient but take care of aphids and diseases such as rust, mildew and wilt. Having Ladybirds/bugs around will help with the aphids. The diseases will require you planting in the right environment to control moisture and not spread disease from one plant to another. A correct balance of heat, breeze and moisture is important to avoid such disease.

    Snapdragons are not just beautiful; they also have a rich history. Once a staple in English gardens, they were often used in herbal remedies. The flowers were believed to possess medicinal properties, and despite their beauty, they were a key ingredient in various potions. Today, they continue to symbolise grace and strength in floral arrangements, making them a favourite among florists and garden enthusiasts alike.