Autumn-blooming Anemone x hybrida–better known as Japanese Anemones–are the star of the fall perennial border. Though they have wispy, long stems with delicate flowers that dance in the breeze (lending them their other common name of windflower) Anemone x hybrida are strong herbaceous perennials that will reliably overwinter in zones 4 through 9. In milder climates, they can be nearly evergreen. A member of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family, the plant can grow up to a 1.5 feet tall, and stretch to 3 feet when in bloom.

When you receive your perennial plugs, unbox them immediately and harden off by increasing their sunlight exposure every day. Spring is the best time to transplant; choose a spot with full sun (at least six hours of direct daylight) or part shade (two to six hours of direct daylight.

Anemone x hybrid are quite adaptable to shade and even dry conditions, though well-watered plants will bloom best. Space perennial Japanese Anemone plugs about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for several years' growth. These plants prefer moist but well-drained and fertile soils - do not allow them to dry out, and avoid planting in soils that stay wet. As the plant grows, scout regularly for flea beetles, slugs, and caterpillars that will occasionally chew on the foliage. Japanese Anemones can be susceptible to Synchytrium leaf gall, downy mildrew, Septoria leaf spot, powdery mildew, and some viruses.

If you plan to harvest Japanese Anemones for cut flowers, try to catch them with a few freshly-opened flowers and some swollen buds. Anemones offer some harvest flexibility: you can cut stems over a period of a few weeks, as their bloom in staggered.