WHITE JAPANESE ANEMONE Hupehensis

These rare pure white flowers are are borne in masses on these tall and vigorous plants! The plants for the white flowers are different that the more traditional pink flowered plants: they are more clump-forming, and are extremely tall, over 6 feet tall!!! We've had large patches of these perennials for many years, and they never fail to amaze us with blooms each summer, which last into fall. They can be grown in sun or and are tolerant of many soils. Because of their versatility, we use them in our difficult shady spots, but they will bloom even more prolifically in sunny locations. The flowers are held high above the foliage. The flower pollen is a favorite food of the endangered bumble bee - it is fun to watch them spin around the center of the flower, circling and collecting pollen on their back legs!

Type: Hardy perennial

Hardiness zones: 4-8

Height: Foliage 18", flowers 36-48" depending on location.

Location: Sun or shade

Seeds per pack: 5 Fresh seeds

Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them begin to grow. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water. Place them in a clear plastic bag (to retain moisture), and in a refrigerator for 5-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container back at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout several weeks after the warming period.

These seeds can also be planted in a cold frame outdoors in very early spring, while the temperatures are still cold and fluctuating, as long as you are able to keep the soil consistently moist. They will still need several weeks to germinate.