Anemone 'Queen Charlotte'

Anemone 'Queen Charlotte': Soft Blush Elegance for the Autumn Border

Anemone 'Queen Charlotte' is a graceful, late-flowering perennial that brings a refined note to the autumn garden. Its soft, silvery-pink, semi-double blooms appear on tall, wiry stems from late summer into mid-autumn, rising above a handsome clump of dark green foliage. Each gently ruffled flower encircles a centre of golden-yellow stamens, catching the slanting light of the season with effortless charm. Airy in habit yet substantial in presence, 'Queen Charlotte' offers enduring colour and romantic movement at a time when many perennials are beginning to wane.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, gradually forming a substantial clump
• Flower Colour: Silvery-pink with golden-yellow centres; semi-double bloom form
• Flowering Period: Late summer into mid-autumn
• Foliage: Deep green, lobed leaves forming a compact basal mound
• Sunlight Requirements: Prefers part shade; tolerates full sun with consistent moisture
• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; avoid excessive dryness or poor drainage

Uses and Benefits: Anemone 'Queen Charlotte' adds height, softness, and colour to late-season borders, shining especially in cottage-style and part-shade plantings. Its long bloom period and upright form make it an excellent companion to autumn-flowering grasses and perennials, while its light-toned petals brighten shaded areas with a gentle glow. Pollinator-friendly and deer resistant, this cultivar is both beautiful and dependable, offering structure and movement when the garden needs it most.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Queen Charlotte' 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 'Queen Charlotte', also known as 'Königin Charlotte', is a distinguished cultivar of Anemone × hybrida, a group of hybrids developed in 19th-century Europe from Asian species such as Anemone hupehensis and Anemone tomentosa. Praised for its floriferous nature, refined colour, and garden reliability, it has been a staple in both traditional and modern gardens for generations.

Final Thoughts: Anemone 'Queen Charlotte' is a perennial of subtle splendour—soft in colour, strong in form, and enduring in bloom. When combined with asters, rudbeckia, and ornamental grasses, it becomes part of a richly textured tapestry that carries the garden gracefully into autumn. A timeless favourite for good reason, it brings poise, motion, and a final blush of beauty to the season’s end.