Single White Japanese Anemone

Single White Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida 'Single White') is a tall, easygoing perennial with clean white flowers that brighten shade from summer to autumn. It grows about 90cm tall and 60cm wide on slender stems. Because it is a bred form that spreads far less than the older Japanese anemones, it suits a planned border rather than a wild corner.

Why you'll love it

• White that lifts shade. Pure white blooms stand out in dappled light, so a shady corner reads brighter from summer through to autumn.
• Goes with everything. White flowers sit comfortably beside pink, blue or purple neighbours, which makes planning a cottage border simple.
• Restrained roots. Japanese anemones can spread through their roots, but this variety has been bred to be much less vigorous.
• Flexible on light. It grows in dappled shade, part shade or full sun, so one plant suits a range of spots.
• Low effort. It needs very little care once established, and being frost hardy it returns each spring after dying back in a cold winter.

Where it works best

White borders and cottage beds. Plant 60cm apart in drifts of three or five. The 90cm stems rise above the foliage and suit the middle of a bed, behind lower plants.

Beneath trees. It is a sound choice for planting under trees, where dappled light and mulch keep the soil cool. Water it through dry spells, because tree roots take a lot of moisture.

Late summer colour. Use it as a feature that carries a bed through to autumn, after earlier perennials have faded.

Growing Single White Japanese Anemone in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled shade suits it best, though it will take part shade through to full sun if the soil stays moist. It is frost hardy, so cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens suit it, and in cold climates the stems die back over winter before shooting again in spring. A thick autumn mulch protects young roots in the coldest areas. In hot subtropical or dry inland gardens, choose the coolest, most sheltered position you can find.

Soil. Prefers moist, free draining soil. Add compost at planting, and avoid any spot where water lies after rain, because it does not like waterlogged conditions.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first four to six weeks, until the plant is established. After that, keep an eye on moisture through summer and top up the mulch each year.

Pruning. Cut the old stems to the ground when they die back in winter. Wear gloves, because the sap can irritate skin.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Single White Japanese Anemone as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The tubes are supplied by our grower, so stock comes and goes. A sold out tube means the grower has none right now, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it returns. It arrives as a small, leafy young plant that takes a season to build a clump. Plant it at the same depth as the tube and water it in well.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Plants that suit partial shade
• How to create a cottage garden in Australia
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden
• Plants for cool climates

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Sixty centimetres apart gives a continuous drift once the clumps fill out. Planting in odd numbers, three or five together, looks more natural than a straight line.

Does it need full shade?

No. Dappled shade suits it best, but it copes with part shade through to full sun, provided the soil is moist and free draining.

Can pets or children touch it?

It is best kept away from them. Anemones are toxic if eaten and the sap can irritate skin.