How to Grow Japanese Anemone 'Prince Henry'
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Japanese Anemone 'Prince Henry'
Anemone × hybrida 'Prince Henry'
flowerA elegant perennial cultivar of Japanese anemone featuring deep wine-red to magenta semi-double flowers on tall, sturdy stems that bloom in late summer and fall. 'Prince Henry' is prized for its rich color and abundant flowering, providing late-season garden interest when many other perennials are fading. This hybrid anemone is a long-lived, relatively low-maintenance addition to borders and cottage gardens.
When should you plant Japanese Anemone 'Prince Henry' in your zone?
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Example Japanese Anemone 'Prince Henry' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Japanese Anemone 'Prince Henry'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Japanese Anemone 'Prince Henry' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
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Get my Japanese Anemone 'Prince Henry' timeline →Growth Stages
Emergence & Early Growth
Spring, 4-6 weeksLow basal foliage emerges in spring as deeply lobed, fern-like leaves form at the soil surface
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide shelter from strong winds. Begin mulching around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Vegetative Growth
Late spring through mid-summer, 8-12 weeksPlant develops mounding foliage 12-18 inches tall; stems elongate and leaves mature to full size with prominent veining
Water regularly and deeply. Apply balanced fertilizer in mid-spring. Stake taller plants if they will exceed 3 feet or are in windy locations. Mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Bud Formation & Blooming
Late August through October, 8-12 weeksTall, branching flower stems (2.5-3.5 feet) emerge bearing multiple buds that open sequentially into semi-double magenta-red flowers with prominent yellow stamens
Maintain steady moisture without overwatering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. Provide staking if needed. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage over flowers.
Late Bloom & Seed Development
September-October, 4-6 weeksFlowering continues; spent flowers develop feathery seed heads if not deadheaded; foliage may begin to decline
Leave some flowers for ornamental seed heads and self-seeding if desired, or deadhead to conserve plant energy. Reduce watering as temperatures cool and growth slows.
Dormancy
November-March, dormant periodFoliage yellows and dies back after frost; underground root system remains active and will regenerate next spring
Cut back dead foliage to 2-3 inches in late fall or early spring. Do not remove mulch; allow it to protect crowns over winter. In zones 4-5, apply 3-4 inches of winter mulch after ground freezes.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick, use beer traps, copper barriers, or diatomaceous earth. Encourage beneficial predators like ground beetles.
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Similar to slugs; hand-removal, beer traps, and copper tape barriers most effective. Avoid metaldehyde in gardens.
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Increase humidity by misting foliage, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation occurs. Rarely serious.
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering. Spray with sulfur dust or fungicide if severe. Typically minor issue if plant is not stressed.
Uses
None
CulinaryJapanese anemone is purely ornamental and not used in culinary applications. All parts may be toxic if ingested. [source]
Cut flowers and dried arrangements
HouseholdThe elegant semi-double magenta flowers are excellent in fresh flower arrangements and bouquets; spent seed heads are attractive in dried arrangements for fall and winter décor. Their long vase life (1-2 weeks) makes them popular with florists. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeFlowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during late summer and fall when other nectar sources are scarce. The prominent stamens and open flower structure make pollen accessible to diverse pollinators. [source]
Seed head ornamentation
CraftThe feathery, silvery seed heads are decorative and can be left on the plant for fall and winter garden interest or harvested and dried for craft projects, dried flower arrangements, and autumn decorations. [source]
Traditional herbal use (limited)
MedicinalHistorically used in traditional Chinese medicine and some herbalism practices for anti-inflammatory purposes, though clinical evidence is limited and the plant is not commonly used in modern herbalism due to potential toxicity of fresh plant material. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not a harvest plant; grown for ornamental flowers. Cut flowers for arrangements in late summer to fall when fully open. Cut at base of stem in early morning; flowers last 1-2 weeks in a vase. Allow some flowers to remain on plant for ornamental seed heads in fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Prince Henry' is a hybrid cultivar derived from crosses between Anemone hupehensis and Anemone vitifolia; the name honors a historical royal figure, though the cultivar was developed in the 20th century.
- 🌱 Japanese anemones are not native to Japan despite their common name—they originate from central and eastern China and were introduced to gardens via Japan, hence the English designation.
- 🌱 The flowers naturally bloom sequentially over many weeks, with new buds opening after older flowers fade, providing exceptionally long bloom periods (8-12 weeks) compared to many perennials.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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