Anemone 'Curtain Call Pink'

Anemone 'Curtain Call Pink': Bubblegum Pink When Summer Runs Out

Bright rose-pink flowers on dark stems, packed into a tidy clump that fits right into a pot. 'Curtain Call Pink' is the understudy who stole the lead role. NOBODY REMEMBERS THE ORIGINAL CAST.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Anemone hybrid
• Common Name: Japanese Anemone, Windflower
• Height: 36–46 cm (14–18 in)
• Spread: 41–46 cm (16–18 in)
• Flowers: Semi-double, bright rose-pink with a golden centre, on dark stems
• Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall (August to September)
• Foliage: Dark green, deeply lobed leaves in a compact, rounded clump
• Features: Rabbit resistant, good for containers and cutting
• Plant Patent: USPP 30,739

Where to Plant: It's short enough for the front of a border, a small bed or a patio pot. Use it where you want colour after midsummer without a tall plant blocking the view. Planted in groups, it gives a clean wash of pink late in the season.

Companion Plants: Tradescantia 'Little Doll' sits in front with blue flowers and grassy leaves from June to August. Phlox 'Fashionably Early Crystal' adds white flowers at 70 to 80 cm through the summer, before the pink anemones open. Aconitum 'Album' stands at the back with white spires in July and August. Every plant here suits full sun or partial sun.

Plant Care: Plant in moderately rich, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. It prefers some shade from hot afternoon sun. In full sun, water during dry spells so the leaves don't scorch. Japanese anemones often take a season to settle. After that, it spreads slowly by underground rhizomes. Extra shoots are easy to dig out or move in spring. Mulch after planting to keep roots cool. Leave the foliage over winter and cut back in early spring.

History: 'Curtain Call Pink' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a fall 2014 cross between the anemones 'Pamina' and 'Pretty Lady Emily'. The aim was a compact Japanese anemone with a long late-season show.

Final Thoughts: Pop it on the patio in a container and let the bees and butterflies buy tickets. Cut a stem for the table. STANDING OVATION ON THE DECK.