Japanese Anemone Flower Grow Guide
Eriocapitella hupehensis (Japanese anemone flowers) belongs to a species of about 200 flowering plants in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, these wildflowers though native to China have been cultivated in Japan for hundreds of years. The Japanese anemone flower can also be found growing worldwide including North America, Europe, the U.S., etc… the name of this plant is derived from the Greek word anemōnē which means the daughter of the wind.
The Japanese anemone flower is given this name because of the delicate flowers that are blown open by the wind which also blows away the dead petals. This perennial produces flowers that resemble a saucer with glossy foliage (leaves) the flowers ranges in many colors including creamy pink, white, purple, etc…
This garden beauty is salt tolerant, attracts butterflies but is deer and rabbit resistant along with being popular in wedding bouquets and is a favorite choice among garden and landscaping specialists, bring your garden to life by making the Japanese anemone flowers a part of your garden design. For more on how to successfully grow the Japanese anemone flowers continue reading as we take a closer look.
Planting location
Japanese anemone flowers thrive best in the full sunlight although they can survive in the partial shade, however, too much shade can lead to a plant that’s leggy.
Soil type
A well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2. that is rich in organic matter such as well-rotted manure or aged compost is ideal.
Watering methods
The soil should be kept evenly moist, not waterlogged.
Fertilizing methods
Japanese anemone flowers are not heavy feeders and need only to be fed twice a year in the spring and then again in the fall with an organic or synthetic (made-made) fertilizer.
Garden insect pests of Japanese anemone flowers
Common garden pests of the Japanese anemone flowers include caterpillars, slugs, weevils, and flea beetles. Signs of flea beetles show up as small beetles ranging in colors from green black or brown with some being colored spots. They also jump from plant to plant or place to place just as fleas do. Garden plants also have small holes in the leaves from their feeding.
Flea beetles control
- The larva of these beetles attacks the roots of plants that cause weakening making garden plants vulnerable to diseases and other garden pests. Control measures include keeping the plant bed free of weeds, this action will remove additional food sources from the larva that feeds on plant roots.
- A two to three-inch layer of mulch around garden plants will inhibit the larva from coming up from the ground once they reach adulthood, Crop rotation can also help in discouraging their presence, and cleaning your garden thoroughly by removing dead vegetation will discourage adult beetles from overwintering.
Caterpillars control
- Caterpillars dose damage by eating plant parts, symptoms show up as leaves with holes. These garden pests are most active around late spring to early fall. Some control methods include the use of bacillus thuringiensis or the use of organic pesticides for caterpillars containing the active ingredient neem oil, azadirachtin, Bt, pyrethrin, or spinosad.
- The use of beneficial insects is also known as biological control which is a safe and effective way to eliminate caterpillars, Parasitic wasps are in this group do damage by laying their eggs in the caterpillar’s body. Once the larva hatch they use the caterpillar’s body as food eating their way through, the larva on reaching adulthood emerges from the caterpillar’s body. By this time, however, the caterpillar is dead.
- Mechanical control involves the removal of caterpillars by handpicking and throwing them in a container of soapy water will bring elimination. Homemade insecticide and neem oil are also effective against some of them.
- Keep the plant bed free of debris where eggs may be laying, also placing tin foil or cardboard at the base of your plants will repel caterpillars.
Weevil control
Adult weevils are (3/4 inch long) are large and are gray to black, weevils cannot fly and have short broad snouts, bent or “elbowed” antennae, and patches of short hair on their wings. During the daytime, adult weevils hide in garden debris, mulch, and soil cracks but feed during the night hours.
They do damage by chewing small notches in the plant’s leaves, the larva does even more damage to plants. The larva is small being only (1/2 inch long) C-shaped white grubs, that tunnels through the roots as they feed. The plant Leaves wilt even though properly watered, stunting also takes place and the plant may even die.
- Applying 100% organic Diatomaceous Earth will bring control, this pesticide works by drying out the insect’s exoskeleton as it comes in contact with it. Before applying read and follow the manufacture’s label.
- Removing mulch from around plants and water only when needed because the larva and the adult love moist soil.
- With a pair of strong garden gloves, weevils can be removed manually and thrown in a container of soapy water.
- Sticky barriers and protective row covers will prevent weevils from attacking your plants. Sticky barriers and protective row covers can be purchased from your plant nursery or garden center.
Diseases of Japanese anemone flowers
The Japanese anemone flowers don’t have a serious disease issue which is good news making this garden beauty a winner however be mindful that overwater can lead to root rot.
Ideas where to install Japanese anemone flowers
1. Can be used as a border plant.
2. Garden plant beds are ideal.
3. Install this garden beauty around the trunks of trees.
4. Woodland locations make a favorite spot.
5. Grow them in masses.
6. Mixing the Japanese anemone flowers with shrubs such as rhododendrons and azaleas creates a beautiful design.
Container grown Japanese anemone flowers
The container should be large enough for the plant to sit comfortably along with having drain holes, fill the container with a good potting mix leaving about two to three inches from the top free of soil. Now install your Japanese anemone flowers and water thoroughly, place the container in an ideal location that gets lots of sunlight. Follow maintenance practices as discussed and watch as this plant goes to work for you.
Using Japanese anemone as cut flowers
What I love about the Japanese anemone flowers is that with these garden beauties you get the best of both worlds, from growing them in your home garden to brightening up your indoor living space with much colors adding them as cut flowers or using them in a floral arrangement.
Pruning and Dividing Japanese anemone flowers
Deadheading your Japanese anemone flowers in late autumn and the removal of old dead leaves in early spring will encourage fresh growth to emerge. Deadheading will help in giving this plant species a more clean and healthy appearance, but will not encourage flower bloom. By deadheading, however, will remove the seed head small songbirds and hummingbirds use for nesting material.
Divide Japanese anemone flowers in early spring, successfully dividing these plants involve digging up a large clump and dividing them into two or three pieces. Before planting these divisions improve the soil or planting area with compost, once installed water thoroughly.
The final word on Japanese anemone flowers
The Japanese anemone flowers can give you what you are looking for, this plant which is installed in so many home gardens has done wonders. For a garden that’s bursting with beautiful colors giving such an inviting feeling or a garden that says home sweet home install this garden beauty, you will be so happy that you did with the results that are achieved. Make your garden the envy of the neighborhood with the presence of the Japanese anemone flowers and reap the rewards of a garden that’s fit for a king and may I also add a queen as well.
Newsletter
Signup Today for Our Newsletter to Receive Up to Date Information on Herbs and Other Gardening News in the Industry.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.