In The Garden Now….. ‘September Charm’ Japanese Anemone

Windflower

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

Don’t let the name fool you….’September Charm’ Anemone blooms way beyond September! It’s still in full bloom in many gardens right now even after a recent frost.

Flowers are cup shaped, shades of pink and held on 2’ to 3’ tall branched stems. The fact that the flowers have a delicate, even elegant, look about them might make the casual onlooker think that this plant is tricky to grow. The fact is this is a very easy to grow perennial in Northwest gardens.

This Japanese Anemone will grow in part sun to shade and needs little water to flourish. Plants are long lasting and make larger clumps over time providing reliable fall color for decades. The fact that these anemones bloom in fall when many flowering plants have passed their prime and are headed for dormancy is worth noting. 

‘September Charm’ and other hybrid Japanese Anemone’s are wonderful “Pass Along Plants.” In fact that’s how I got my first fall blooming anemone. Thirty years ago, my next door neighbor, the late Mary Aiken, who was a terrific gardener, gifted me with a start of this great fall bloomer. When this plant comes into bloom each year I think of my gardening friend, Mary.

This plant deserves consideration. It blooms well into fall when many plants are fading. It doesn’t mind being moved, divided and shared. It’ll grow well in most any garden that provides at least a little shade. And it doesn’t require a full time gardener to keep it alive. These are admirable traits for any plant!

(Botanical Name: Anemone x hybridus ‘September Charm’)

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been a garden designer and consultant to Northwest gardeners for over 25 years. (vjgilleland@yahoo.com)