2016 perennial of the year: Anemone x hybrid (Japanese anemone or windflower) ‘Honorine Jobert’

Photo courtesy of Heritage Perennials

The Perennial Plant Association is a North American group of growers, garden designers, nursery and garden centre owners. This group votes for the Perennial of the Year (established in
1990) and nominates plants for the award. Perennials of the year are usually known for their year-round interest, their ease of care, their ability to thrive in a wide range of zones and
varying growing conditions.

This year’s winner is Anemone x hybrid (Japanese anemone or windflower) ‘Honorine Jobert’ – an older, historical variety standing tall and airy at 90–120cm (3–4’) with single white blooms.

Happy in a either a sunny garden or part shade; will absolutely be fine in more shade, but the blooms will not be as prolific. Hardy to zone 4, but would benefit from mulch the first winter.

It’s a late season bloomer, bright and cheery on shorter, drearier days – but remember, because it blooms late, it will take longer to peek through the earth the following spring too. Makes a good cut flower, so you can extend its blooming period by enjoying it indoors. Its trifoliate green foliage is a nice backdrop to bright and cheery Spring flowers – especially yellows and reds. The richer and moister the soil, the more it spreads – but it is not invasive. Too wet or too dry conditions make for an unhappy windflower, but planted correctly, it’s low maintenance and is pest-, deer- and disease-resistant.