Anemone hupehensis var. japonica Pretty Lady Maria

Anemone hupehensis var. japonica Pretty Lady Maria is part of a series of hybrids called the Pretty Ladies, selected for their particularly compact habit and abundant flowering. The white flowers of the charming Maria variety bloom abundantly from August to September, on a knee-high, bushy plant. The charm of this lovely perennial becomes evident as the season comes to an end and other flowers begin to fade. Plant it in flower beds alongside autumn daisies and hardy chrysanthemums. It will also work well in a pot on a patio or balcony too.

Like her sisters 'Diana', 'Emily' and 'Susan', Pretty Lady Maria is a hybrid Japanese anemone obtained in Japan by Mr. Yoshihiro Kanazawa. They have recently been introduced to the market in England. All display compact growth, an extraordinary abundance of flowers, and denser foliage than other varieties.

Pretty Lady Maria is a perennial plant of the Ranunculaceae family. It may be the result of cross-breeding between Anemone vitifolia, native to the Himalayas, and Anemone hupehensis, native to central and western China. This dwarf variety will usually reach 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in) in height (up to 60cm (24in) in shade), depending on the richness of the soil it grows in, with a diameter of 40cm (16in). Like other Japanese anemones, it is a perennial plant with fibrous 'tubers' that form large vigorous and rounded clumps. The foliage is deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on the climate. It is finely divided, dark green, strongly veined on the underside, and more or less pubescent. The abundant and prolonged flowering takes place from August to September to October-November. The 5cm (2in) diameter flowers are solitary and simple. They are borne on strong, slender and upright stems. They first appear as delightful creamy-yellow oval buds, then open into shallow cups, composed of wide rounded petals of a sparkling white. The green flower centre turns yellow. It is adorned with a beautiful crown of golden yellow stamens. Japanese anemones are not demanding. They can live for decades in the same spot without requiring much maintenance.

Japanese anemone is one of the most beautiful autumn flowers. Light and graceful, it sways gently in the wind. It decorates the garden or large pots on a patio from late summer to the first frost. Perfect in the back of a flower bed, it blends its elegant flowering with the grace of autumn asters (cordifolius, laevis, turbinellus) and the nostalgic charm of perennial chrysanthemums. Pretty Lady Maria is perfect for bordering a flower bed, in front of a hedge of hydrangeas and spindles. The finely divided foliage adds a beautiful dark green note to flower bouquets.