Anemone 'Prince Henry'

Anemone 'Prince Henry': Rose-Pink Royalty for Fall

Deep rose-pink semi-doubles with narrow, overlapping petals, showing up in late summer like they're the reason everyone came. This anemone carries itself with full ceremony. PINK, POLISHED AND PERFECTLY ON TIME.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Anemone hupehensis var. japonica 'Prinz Heinrich'
• Common Name: Japanese Anemone, Windflower
• Height: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
• Spread: 60–75 cm (2–2.5 ft)
• Flowers: Semi-double, deep rose-pink with narrow, overlapping petals and a yellow centre
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall (August to October)
• Foliage: Dark green, lobed leaves
• Features: Rabbit resistant, excellent cut flower

Where to Plant: Plant it mid-border, along a woodland edge or in groups under high shade. It spreads into a patch over time, so give it room to fill in a larger bed. The stems are good for cutting, and the colour holds up well in a vase.

Companion Plants: Platycodon 'Astra Blue' makes a low blue edge from June to August. Solidago ptarmicoides adds white flowers from July to September at 30 to 60 cm. Eupatorium maculatum grows to 180 cm behind with pink flowers from July to September, echoing the rose anemones. Everything here grows in full sun or partial sun.

Plant Care: Plant in rich, moist, well-drained soil. It does well in clay as long as water doesn't sit around the roots in winter. In full sun, keep the soil evenly moist. Morning sun and afternoon shade is the sweet spot. Like most Japanese anemones, it can sulk in its first year and then spreads by underground runners. Apply a winter mulch in colder areas, especially after fall planting. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Divide in early spring to control its spread or make more plants.

History: Anemone hupehensis is native to central China and takes its name from Hubei province, while the variety japonica was grown in Japanese gardens for centuries, which is how the group came to be called Japanese anemones in the West. 'Prinz Heinrich' is an older selection still widely grown in European and North American gardens.

Final Thoughts: Cut a stem for a vase and you'll see why it rules the late border. Deer and rabbits bow out. PLANT IT AND PREPARE FOR COMPLIMENTS.