Anemone 'Pretty Lady Diana'

Anemone 'Pretty Lady Diana': Compact Charm and Late-Season Grace

Anemone 'Pretty Lady Diana' is a compact Japanese anemone with vivid rose-pink flowers and a naturally tidy habit—perfect for smaller borders, city gardens, and containers. Its golden-centred blooms appear from late summer into mid-autumn, dancing on wiry stems above a dense mound of deep green foliage. Unlike taller, more rambunctious varieties, 'Pretty Lady Diana' remains neat and well-behaved while still delivering bold colour and late-season movement. Ideal for part-shade plantings, it brings elegance and energy when much of the garden begins to fade.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–60 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm, forming a compact, bushy clump
• Flower Colour: Rose-pink with golden-yellow centres; single to semi-double bloom form
• Flowering Period: Late summer into mid-autumn
• Foliage: Rich green, lobed leaves forming a tidy basal mound
• Sunlight Requirements: Prefers part shade; tolerates full sun with consistent moisture
• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; avoid drought and poor drainage

Uses and Benefits: Anemone 'Pretty Lady Diana' adds colour, charm, and late-season movement to small-space borders and shade gardens. Its compact form makes it ideal for urban gardens and containers, while its strong stems and extended bloom time offer lasting visual appeal. Pollinator-friendly, deer resistant, and easy to maintain, this little anemone offers reliable grace with minimal fuss.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Pretty Lady Diana' with Aster oblongifolius 'October Skies'—its profusion of lavender-blue blooms forms a soft, cool contrast to the Anemone’s rosy hues. Add Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' to anchor the planting with bold golden tones and sturdy mid-border presence. For vertical lift and seasonal texture, include Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'—its feathery, upright plumes catch the breeze and echo the rhythm of the anemone’s flower stems. Together, these companions create a dynamic, pollinator-rich display that celebrates the full depth and texture of the autumn border.

Care Instructions: Plant in part shade in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly during dry spells, particularly in sunny spots. Deadhead to extend the flowering period or leave seedheads for late-season texture. Cut back stems after frost. In colder zones, apply mulch in late fall to protect the crown. Divide every few years in spring to maintain vigour and manage spread.

History: Anemone 'Pretty Lady Diana' is part of the Japanese-bred 'Pretty Lady' series—compact selections developed from Anemone hupehensis and related species. Bred for refined stature and floriferous performance, this cultivar was named in honour of Princess Diana and introduced for gardens where elegance and space-saving habit go hand in hand. It combines modern breeding with classic late-season beauty.

Final Thoughts: Anemone 'Pretty Lady Diana' proves that small can still be spectacular. With its jewel-toned blooms, compact habit, and unwavering late-season performance, it’s a brilliant choice for gardeners looking to add a final flourish of colour and movement. Graceful, long-blooming, and reliably charming—this is a perennial you’ll reach for again and again.