Anemone 'Robustissima'

Anemone 'Robustissima': Rugged Beauty with a Gentle Bloom

Anemone 'Robustissima' brings steadfast resilience and graceful charm to the late-season garden. Among the hardiest of the Japanese anemones, this dependable cultivar produces an abundance of soft rose-pink, single blooms with golden centres, held high on arching stems above bold, grape-like foliage. Flowering from late summer into mid-autumn, it naturalises easily, forming generous colonies that move with the breeze and brighten part-shade borders. With its ability to thrive in colder climates and its quietly romantic presence, 'Robustissima' offers a blend of strength and elegance at a time when many perennials begin to fade.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm
• Spread: 60–90 cm; slowly naturalises to form colonies
• Flower Colour: Soft rose-pink with golden-yellow centres; single bloom form
• Flowering Period: Late summer into mid-autumn
• Foliage: Coarse, grape-like leaves forming a bold, textured clump
• Sunlight Requirements: Prefers part shade; tolerates full sun with adequate moisture
• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; tolerant of a range of garden soils once established

Uses and Benefits: Anemone 'Robustissima' is ideal for naturalistic borders, woodland edges, or semi-shaded garden beds where its spreading habit and late-season blooms can shine. It adds movement and height to the fall garden and supports pollinators with its open flowers. Its coarse foliage contrasts well with finer textures, and its vigorous nature makes it a reliable, low-maintenance choice for colder climates and restoration-style plantings.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Robustissima' with Gillenia trifoliata, whose delicate foliage and airy white spring flowers give way to fine red stems that add season-long structure. Introduce Aruncus dioicus for height and early-season cream plumes that echo the woodland feel and complement the anemone’s coarse leaves. Finish with Chelone obliqua—its upright spikes of rosy-pink flowers bloom in harmony with the anemone, enhancing the late-summer palette and supporting pollinators in the closing days of the season. Together, they create a richly textured, naturalistic combination that spans multiple seasons.

Care Instructions: Plant in part shade in moist, well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Water consistently during dry spells, especially in the first season and while flowering. Cut back stems after frost and apply a winter mulch in colder zones. Allow space for its spreading habit, or divide clumps in early spring to manage size and encourage healthy growth.

History: Anemone 'Robustissima' is a hardy selection of Anemone tomentosa, a species native to northern China. It was introduced to Western gardens in the early 20th century and quickly valued for its cold tolerance, vigorous growth, and long bloom season. Its name—meaning “most robust”—reflects its reputation for reliability and endurance in a wide range of conditions, especially in colder regions where other Japanese anemones may struggle.

Final Thoughts: Anemone 'Robustissima' is a perennial that balances resilience with grace. Its tall, fluttering blooms and rugged constitution make it a valuable addition to any garden that celebrates natural structure and seasonal transition. When paired with woodland companions like Gillenia, Aruncus, and Chelone, it creates a harmonious, low-maintenance planting that supports pollinators and provides enduring beauty deep into autumn.