Japanese anemone Anemone hupehensis
Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to China (Hubei, central and western provinces); long cultivated in Japan. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Japanese anemone at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China (Hubei, central and western provinces); long cultivated in Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Japanese anemone toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: all parts, sap
Protoanemonin released from crushed Anemone tissue irritates skin and mouth and can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea if eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese anemone
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Japanese anemone
- How far apart should I plant Japanese anemone?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does Japanese anemone need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese anemone need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese anemone?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Japanese anemone flower?
- From about August for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Japanese anemone poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Protoanemonin released from crushed Anemone tissue irritates skin and mouth and can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea if eaten.
- What grows well with Japanese anemone?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese anemone. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Slow to establish (often 2 to 3 years), then spreads by suckers. Blooms late summer into autumn.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Christmas rose Helleborus niger
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