If you're a fan of Japanese anemones and want to expand your collection, you're in luck! Multiplying Japanese anemones is not only possible, but it also has several benefits. Whether you want to control the plant's expansion, propagate it in other areas of your garden, or promote its vigor and blooming, dividing Japanese anemone is the way to go. In this article, we'll explore the different varieties of Japanese anemone, why it's beneficial to divide them, and when and how to do it. So follow along as we dive into the world of Japanese anemone propagation!
What are the varieties?
Japanese anemone comes in a variety of beautiful colors and forms. Here are some of the most popular varieties and hybrids:
- Honorine Jobert with its white flowers
- Praecox with early, candy pink blooms with purple highlights
- Rubra Plena with its double flowers, a deep pink almost red
- Couronne Virginale with double white flowers
- Bowles Pink with its single fuchsia pink flowers
- September Charm with its semi-double, flat cup-shaped flowers ranging in color from mauve to magenta
Why divide them?
Dividing Japanese anemone offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to control the plant's expansion. This perennial has a tendency to spread easily with its fibrous tubers when the soil and exposure conditions are favorable. By dividing it, you can prevent it from taking over your garden. Secondly, division is an excellent way to propagate your anemone and create new plants in other areas of your garden. Finally, division promotes the vigor and blooming of the plant, ensuring it continues to thrive for years to come.
When and how to multiply Japanese anemone?
The best time to divide Japanese anemone is in spring, when the plant starts its growth. However, if you missed the spring window, you can also divide them in November when the plants are already well established. These two periods reduce the stress associated with division during its flowering phase. There are two main methods to multiply Japanese anemone: division by tufts and division by roots. Let's take a closer look at each method and how to proceed.
Division by tufts
Dividing the tufts is the simplest method of vegetative propagation for anemones. This method is suitable for plants that naturally produce many shoots at ground level from a common base, known as the tuft. By dividing the tuft, you can obtain new plants, each with its own base and root system. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Water the plant the day before division to facilitate root extraction
- Dig deeply around the clump of anemones to extract the entire root system
- Gently lift the plant from the ground
- Shake it gently to remove excess soil
- Carefully separate the tuft into several parts
- Ensure each division has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system
Remember to remove any diseased or damaged parts of the plant to promote healthy growth.
Division by roots
For root division, you'll need to separate different segments of the plant's root system. Each segment should contain at least one shoot or bud and a portion of the roots to give birth to a new plant. As with division by tufts, water the Japanese anemone the day before the procedure. After extracting the plant, identify the growth areas on the root system. The goal is to divide the rhizome in such a way that each section has:
- A part of the mother plant
- A shoot or bud
- A portion of roots
Once again, remove any diseased or damaged parts of the plant before replanting.
How to multiply Japanese anemone? Transplant it!
The final step in the process is transplanting the divided plants. This should be done immediately after division. Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the new planting areas by digging holes twice the width and depth of the roots of your divisions
- Place each division in its hole
- Ensure the soil surface is at the same level as the plant's crown
- Fill the holes with soil
- Lightly tamp down
- Water well
Adding mulch around each plant is recommended to retain moisture and reduce weed growth. And voila! Now you can sit back and enjoy a garden full of beautiful Japanese anemones.
Hello! I'm Emma, a passionate writer and editor at The Daily Herald. With my love for words and knack for storytelling, I bring a unique flair to our team. One time, while brainstorming ideas for an article, I suddenly burst out laughing at a hilarious joke I came up with, leaving my colleagues in stitches. Working at The Daily Herald is truly an enriching experience where creativity knows no bounds.