How to Grow Japanese Anemone 'Prince Henry'
Japanese Anemone 'Prince Henry'
Anemone × hybrida 'Prince Henry'
flowerJapanese Anemone 'Prince Henry' is a hybrid cultivar prized for its deep burgundy-red semi-double flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. This herbaceous perennial grows tall and graceful with finely textured foliage, providing dramatic color and extended season interest in garden borders. It's an excellent late-season nectar source for pollinators and a striking cut flower.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, tolerates zone 4b with winter protection
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Growth Stages
Spring Emergence
4-6 weeksNew shoots emerge from the crown in mid to late spring, initially appearing as reddish-tinged stems with divided, fern-like foliage beginning to unfold
Remove winter mulch gradually as new growth appears. Apply balanced fertilizer or top-dress with compost. Ensure soil moisture is consistent as plants are establishing growth.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant grows tall (2-4 feet), developing numerous upright stems clothed with deeply lobed, dark green foliage. No flowers appear yet; plant focuses on establishing structure and root system.
Stake or support tall varieties if grown in windy locations or without adjacent plants. Keep soil consistently moist. Deadhead any early buds to promote stronger plant development. Thin out weak stems if desired.
Bud Formation & Flowering
8-10 weeks (August-October)From mid-August onward, tall stems produce delicate buds that open into semi-double flowers with deep burgundy-red petals and prominent stamens. Buds gradually open over weeks, creating an extended bloom period.
Support plants with stakes or plant ties if necessary. Maintain consistent watering as flowers develop. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Cut some stems for floral arrangements.
Seed Head & Dormancy
10-12 weeks (October-March)After flowering ceases with hard frost, ornamental feathery seed heads develop and persist, becoming attractive through fall and winter. Above-ground growth dies back completely after frost.
Leave seed heads in place for winter interest and to shelter the crown. Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch in regions colder than zone 6. Do not remove all stems until spring growth begins.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur or neem oil spray if severe. Remove affected leaves. Select resistant cultivars.
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Remove infected foliage immediately and dispose of in trash (not compost). Improve air circulation. Apply fungicide if widespread.
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and
Hand-pick, especially at dusk. Use slug traps or barriers. Apply neem oil or diatomaceous earth around base. Beer traps can be effective.
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and
(Aphelenchoides spp.)
Remove and destroy heavily infested plants. Do not propagate from infected specimens. Maintain plant vigor with proper watering and care.
Uses
Not edible
CulinaryJapanese Anemone is not suitable for consumption. All parts of the plant contain ranunculin, which can cause irritation and is toxic if ingested. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe elegant burgundy-red blooms and tall stems make 'Prince Henry' an excellent cut flower for late-summer and fall bouquets, vase displays, and floral design. The long vase life and continuous succession of opening buds ensure weeks of visual interest. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeJapanese Anemone flowers provide crucial late-season nectar and pollen for honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies when many other sources have diminished. The prominent stamens and accessible flower structure make it especially attractive to diverse pollinators. [source]
Dried Flowers and Seed Heads
CraftThe feathery seed heads can be dried and used in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects for year-round visual appeal. Cut stems in late fall and hang upside down in a dry location. [source]
Historical and Traditional Uses
MedicinalWhile not commonly used in modern herbalism due to its toxicity, Japanese Anemone was used in traditional Chinese medicine for specific conditions. Any medicinal use should only be under professional guidance due to toxin content. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when stems are fully hydrated, selecting stems with at least 2-3 flowers open and several buds remaining. Cut at an angle 1-3 inches above leaf nodes to encourage branching and continuous blooms. Remove lower foliage from cut stems before arranging. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water changed every 2-3 days.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Japanese Anemone 'Prince Henry' is actually a hybrid of Anemone hupehensis and Anemone vitifolia, not truly 'Japanese,' but the name persists due to historical cultivation in Japan before introduction to Europe.
- 🌱 The semi-double flower form means it has more than the typical single row of petals, creating a fuller, more ornamental appearance that attracts more bees than single-flowered varieties.
- 🌱 These anemones spread via rhizomes and can form expansive colonies over time, making them useful for filling large garden spaces, though they require some management to prevent overtaking neighboring plants.
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