Anemone Frilly Knickers™

Anemone Frilly Knickers™: Frills on Top, a Violet Secret Underneath

We did not name this plant. We would like that on the record. Ruffled white flowers with a cheeky blush of violet underneath, showing up in late summer like it's got nothing to hide. THE BEES ARE BLUSHING.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Anemone hybrid ('FP007')
• Common Name: Windflower, Japanese Anemone
• Height: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Spread: 45–50 cm (18–20 in)
• Flowers: Ruffled, double to semi-double white flowers with a violet-flushed reverse and yellow stamens
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall (August to October)
• Foliage: Green, lobed leaves on purple-tinged stems
• Features: Upright habit
• Plant Patent: USPP 33,416

Where to Plant: Mid-border or right beside a path, where people can see the frills up close. It likes moist, rich soil and a little afternoon shade in hot spots, and it works in cottage gardens, part-shade beds and large containers. It brings fresh blooms just as the summer perennials quit.

Companion Plants: Platycodon 'Astra Blue' sits in front with blue balloon flowers from June to August. Hibiscus Summerific® 'Valentine's Crush' grows to 150 cm with big red flowers in July and August. Calamagrostis canadensis adds a native grass up to 150 cm that pairs well with the white anemones in fall. Give them all full sun or partial sun.

Plant Care: Plant in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It grows in sun or part shade. In hot, sunny spots, water during dry spells and give it some afternoon shade if you can. Mulch after planting and again in its first fall. Japanese anemone types can take a season to settle before they really get going. Cut spent stems to tidy the plant. Cut the foliage back in late fall or early spring. Divide in spring if the clump gets too big.

History: Found by Rosemary Hardy in her garden in Whitchurch, England, in 2015, arising from a Swan-type hybrid anemone. It was picked for its fully double, ruffled flowers and received its US plant patent in 2021.

Final Thoughts: Plant it front and centre. Then act completely innocent when the neighbours ask what it's called. WE'LL WAIT.