Anemonopsis macrophylla

From Japan, Anemonopsis macrophylla have tiny slate-blue flowers on long arching stems with ferny foliage below.

If you are looking for an elegant flowering perennial for a shady garden, this is plant that is well worth considering. This beautiful woodland plant thrives in cool, sheltered positions where many flowering plants struggle. Its delicate slate-blue flowers dance above attractive fern-like foliage throughout summer, bringing colour, movement and a natural woodland charm to shaded areas.

Native to Japan, Anemonopsis macrophylla is the sole species in the genus and is prized by gardeners for its graceful habit and unusual flowers. Perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders and cottage-style plantings, it is a low-maintenance perennial that rewards gardeners with months of interest.

Why Grow Anemonopsis macrophylla?

Gardeners grow Anemonopsis macrophylla for its combination of delicate flowers and attractive foliage.

Long, arching stems rise above finely divided green leaves, carrying nodding slate-blue flowers that appear almost suspended in the air. The flowers have a soft, graceful appearance that contrasts beautifully with bolder shade-loving plants.

Key benefits include:

• Excellent choice for shady gardens.
• Attractive fern-like foliage.
• Delicate summer flowers.
• Ideal for woodland-style planting.
• Low-maintenance once established.
• Self-fertile and capable of setting seed.
• Suitable for cool-climate gardens.

Growing Conditions

Climate

Best suited to cool temperate and mild climates. In Australia it performs particularly well in cooler regions where summers are not excessively hot.

Position

Choose a shaded or partly shaded position protected from hot afternoon sun and drying winds.

Soil

For best growth provide:

• Humus-rich soil.
• Moist but well-drained conditions.
• Plenty of organic matter.
• Cool root conditions.

Woodland-style soils enriched with leaf mould or compost are ideal.

Plant Care

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely.

Mulching

Apply organic mulch annually to help retain moisture and maintain cool soil conditions.

Feeding

A yearly application of compost or well-rotted organic matter is usually sufficient.

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems if desired. Allow flowers to set seed if you wish to encourage self-seeding.

Maintenance

Very little ongoing care is required once plants are established. Protect from hot drying winds and extreme summer heat.

Landscaping Uses

The airy flowering stems add a sense of movement and lightness to the garden, making this plant particularly valuable in naturalistic and woodland designs.

Anemonopsis are a perfect woodland plant for a shady position, and will flower over the summer period, foliage is an added attraction.

Ideal uses include:

• Woodland gardens.
• Shaded borders.
• Cottage gardens.
• Under deciduous trees.
• Fern gardens.
• Moist shaded courtyards.
• Collector’s gardens.

It combines beautifully with other shade-loving perennials including:

• Hostas
• Epimedium
• Ferns
• Trillium
• Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa)
• Hellebores

Planting in small drifts allows the elegant flowers to create a natural woodland effect.

Quick Facts

Botanical Name: Anemonopsis macrophylla
Common Name: Japanese Thimbleweed
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 60–80cm
Spread: 40–60cm
Position: Shade to part shade
Soil: Humus-rich, moist, well-drained
Flower Colour: Slate-blue to lavender-blue
Flowering Time: Summer
Foliage: Fern-like green foliage
Growth Rate: Moderate
Frost Tolerance: Good
Drought Tolerance: Low once soil dries out

Best Features at a Glance

• Elegant slate-blue flowers.
• Long flowering period through summer.
• Attractive ferny foliage.
• Excellent woodland garden plant.
• Thrives in shady positions.
• Low maintenance.
• Suitable for cool-climate Australian gardens.

Related Species and Similar Plants

Although Anemonopsis macrophylla is the only species in the genus, gardeners who enjoy its woodland character may also like:

• Anemone species
• Thalictrum species
• Aquilegia varieties
• Trillium species
• Epimedium varieties
• Hellebores

These plants share a similar delicate appearance and preference for woodland conditions.

Where To Buy

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