Common Names- Japanese anemone, windflower
Hardiness – USDA Zones 4 to 8
Light – Sun or partial shade is preferable.
Soil – ‘Honorine Jobert’ grows best in well-drained soil, humus-rich soil. Will not tolerate poor drainage nor too-dry soil.
Unique Qualities – The dark green trifoliate foliage is uniquely attractive from spring to fall. The textural foliage is a beautiful backdrop for the pure white color of the late summer-to-autumn flowers.
Uses – The pure white color lends light accents to the fall planting where golds, reds, and oranges dominate. It is a beautiful, brightening element.
MORE ABOUT THIS STELLAR PERENNIAL…
Anemone xhybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ is an experienced world traveler. Anemone was found in China and other Asiatic countries as well as the Mediterranean region. The origins gave rise to the common name Japanese anemone. Windflower is another name popularly applied to the plant. This anemone has existed in the English garden at the Royal Horticultural Society in Chadwick at least since 1848. Before then, many of the fall flowering anemone were a very light pink. Ten years later a fantastic new hybrid occurred in Verdun, France, in the Jobert Gardens and was named ‘Honorine Jobert’. Soon this exciting discovery went back to England and eventually to American gardens. It was a sought-after cultivar by the time of the American Civil War and since has become a classic perennial in gardens of the world. It is found in borders, cottage gardens, or in formal borders and continues to grow in popularity.
Plants are clump-forming and erect. The long wiry stems make the plant look airy and graceful. ‘Honorine Jobert’ attains heights of up to 4’, although most of the time it is a 3’ beauty.
Flowers are intense bright white with a green center surrounded by a corolla of yellow stamens. In late summer, 2” to 3” flowers of ‘Honorine Jobert’ explode from dainty pink, silvery buds into petaloid-shaped flowers. The striking flowers are enhanced by the uniquely attractive trifoliate dark green textural foliage that stays attractive from spring to fall.
The anemone is a very low maintenance plant. It can be grown in sun or in partial shade. In warmer climates it should definitely be in partial shade with protection from wind. Be aware to plant only in early spring or fall. In any location, the plant thrives in humus-rich soil that is well–drained but moisture retentive. It does not tolerate wet, poorly-draining soils in winter. In colder climates, mulch establishing plants. Soils should not be allowed to become dry. The foliage will burn in hot, dry locations. Eventually the spreading rhizomes will be happy to colonize your garden.
‘Honorine Jobert’ grows in USDA zones 4 to 8. It seems to flourish without insect or disease problems and deer do not seem to browse this plant. The best time to propagate is winter or spring. In winter they are usually propagated by root cuttings and in spring by division.
‘Honorine Jobert’ goes well with many other annuals and perennials. Since ‘Honorine Jobert’ flowers into autumn the bright white plant stands out in the landscape and provides accents to the deeper gold, orange, and red colors of the fall garden. They can be charming companion plants with hostas and ferns and countless annuals. Classic plants stand the test of time. This plant more than fills that requirement.
The Perennial Plant of the Year™
The Perennial Plant of the Year™ (POY™) program began in 1990 to showcase a perennial that is a standout among its competitors. Perennials chosen are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require low maintenance, have multiple-season interest, and are relatively pest/disease-free. If you are looking for an excellent perennial for your next landscape project or something reliable for your gardens, make sure to check out the Perennial Plant of the Year™ archive list. For information about other perennials, be sure to search the Plant Database.
Since the Perennial Plant of the Year™ was introduced in 1990, the Perennial Plant Association has received frequent inquiries about how the Perennial Plant of the Year™ is selected. The selection process is quite simple – PPA members vote for the Perennial Plant of the Year™ each summer. At that time, in addition to the vote, each member may also nominate up to two plants for future consideration. The Perennial Plant of the Year™ committee reviews the nominated perennials (more than 400 different perennials are often nominated each year) and selects 3 or 4 perennials to be placed on the ballot.
Nominations generally need to satisfy the following criteria:
- Suitability for a wide range of climatic conditions
- Low-maintenance requirements
- Relative pest- and disease-resistance
- Ready availability in the year of promotion
- Multiple seasons of ornamental interest
Source: Perennial Plant Association
