The Perennial Plant Association’s 2016 perennial plant of the year is Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ – more commonly known as the Japanese Anemone or Windflower.  This anemone is low maintenance, deer resistant, and relatively resistant to pests and diseases.

The Japanese anenome is native to Asia.  It prefers a sunny or partially shaded environment with well-drained, humus-rich soil.  Blooms begin in late summer and last through fall with bright white flowers that are 2-3” wide.  The trifoliate foliage is dark green and stays attractive spring through fall.

Honorine Jobert grows to about 3-4’ high with a clump-forming spread of 1-2’.  Use this plant in fall plantings where golds, reds, and oranges dominate to brighten up the space.  Companion plants include hostas, ferns, and countless annuals.

Photo credit:www.missouribotanicalgarden.org