Anemone hupehensis ‘Hadspen Abundance’ (Japanese Anemone)

Among the most beautiful Japanese anemones, award-winner Anemone hupehensis ‘Hadspen Abundance’ produces masses of cup-shaped, rich carmine-pink flowers, 2-3 in. wide (5-7 cm), with five rounded tepals contrasting the yellow stamens. Free-flowering, its flowers are unusual because they consist of two smaller dark-pink petals and three slightly larger, paler ones. This two-tone effect results in a delightful shimmering effect in the border. The flowers are gracefully carried on wiry stems above the deeply divided, semi-evergreen, dark green foliage, dancing and swaying in the breeze. This late summer garden favorite was discovered at Hadspen House in Somerset in the late 1970s by plantsman Eric Smith.

• One of the longest-blooming perennials in the garden, it provides weeks of color, from late summer through fall, when many other perennials are starting to fade.
• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society, this plant typically grows up to 3 feet tall (90 cm) and spreads via rhizomes to 30 in. (75 cm).
• Mixes beautifully with ornamental grasses or any other perennial plants. Well suited for borders, cottage gardens, coastal gardens or naturalistic areas such as prairies or meadows.
• Very attractive as cut flowers, it has a good resistance to most insects and diseases. Attracts butterflies but is deer and rabbit resistant!
• A full sun or part sun lover, it enjoys rich, humusy, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Do not let the soil dry out! Provide some wind protection. Add winter mulch in cool winter areas. This plant will happily naturalize to form colonies!
• Salt tolerant
• Eating may cause stomach upset and skin contact may cause mild irritation.

Native to China, Anemones have been cultivated in Japan for hundreds of years. Growing to 4 feet (120 cm), they produce single, semi-double or double blooms in shades of pink and white on slender, graceful stems in mid-late summer and early fall. Though they may appear delicate, these long-lived perennials can survive with minimal maintenance once they are established. Deer resistant, they are a popular choice for borders or as specimens in home gardens.