Grape Leaf Anemones

Over the years of working in high-end residential design, certain perennials have consistently been used - earning a loyalty from designers due to their long period of flowers, the heartiness (and hardiness) and simple beauty. Anemone tomentosa 'Robustissima' is definitely among that group.


It can start to bloom as early as August and lasts well into November. It's an elegant perennial with soft pink or white blossoms and foliage that, as the common name indicates, looks a bit like grape leaves.


Anemone is from the Greek word for wind, anemos - legend has it that anemone flowers sprouted from the tears wept by Aphrodite after the death of Adonis. Of course, I think that story would refer more to Anemone blanda, or windflower, which is a bulb native to Greece.