Anemone 'Frilly Knickers'

Anemone 'Frilly Knickers': Ruffled Cloud Windflower

Delicate yet undeniably showy, Anemone 'Frilly Knickers' steals the late-season spotlight with layers of ruffled white petals gently edged in soft lavender. Blooming from late summer into fall, each semi-double flower floats above deep green foliage on tall, wiry stems, bringing grace, motion, and cool-toned beauty to the autumn garden. A magnet for pollinators and a standout in mixed borders, this refined Japanese anemone hybrid adds structure and seasonal interest just when most perennials begin to wane.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm
• Flower Colour: White with soft lavender edges
• Flowering Period: August to October
• Foliage: Deep green, lobed basal leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Uses and Benefits: 'Frilly Knickers' is ideal for part-shade borders, woodland edges, or cottage-style plantings where late-season bloom and soft colour are desired. Its long stems add vertical movement, while its resistance to deer and rabbits makes it a reliable performer. Pollinators are drawn to its blooms late into the season, making it a beautiful and beneficial addition to layered, mixed plantings that evolve gracefully through the fall.

Companion Plants: Pair Anemone 'Frilly Knickers' with Dryopteris 'Brilliance', Heuchera 'Berry Timeless', and Geranium macrorrhizum for a softly textured, part-shade composition that delivers foliage interest, seasonal bloom, and layered structure from spring through autumn.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first season. Allow time for clumps to establish and expand. Cut back spent flower stems in late fall and mulch to protect the root zone in colder climates.

History: A newer cultivar within the Japanese anemone group, 'Frilly Knickers' was selected for its unique bicolour blooms and frilled petal form. It offers a more compact, garden-friendly profile while retaining the charm and late-season appeal of traditional windflowers.

Final Thoughts: With its ethereal blooms and graceful stature, Anemone 'Frilly Knickers' adds a sophisticated, softly coloured presence to the late-season garden—bringing elegance, pollinator value, and gentle beauty when it’s needed most.