I wrote in response to a prompt from the Grow Write Guild that anemones are a challenging plant for me. Well, thanks to an absurd amount of rainfall this spring and summer, I have finally coaxed one into bloom.
Anemone hupehensis var. japonica ‘Pamina’
The weather has turned cooler earlier than in most years, although we haven’t had rain in some time. The anemones looked a bit puny earlier in the day so I gave them a long drink, and they perked up neatly.
I mean to savor this plant while it blooms, but not let long-sought success go to my head. I am wondering if I should have the courage to try some other anemones, though? Maybe just one, for now?
MissingHenryMitchell 
I understand your difficulties with anemones. For a long time, I had a yard that was too sunny and dry for them. I persisted in buying and planting them–they’re just so beautiful!–but they would always fade within weeks. Now that I have a shadier, damper place, I hope to try them again. I hope you continue to have luck with yours!
Thank you! And I wish you luck in your improved spot. The spot where I have these is not likely to ever remain damp, but at least it’s close to the rain barrel; I suppose that’s the next best thing.
Congratulations on your anemone success. I’ve been seeing some around town and thinking I should add some to my garden, but thanks for this reminder about the conditions needed. I like your header image–nice.
Thank you! I got ‘Pamina’ at the Duke Gardens plant sale–their fall sale should be coming up soon, so perhaps they will have it again.
The asters just opened today. I forgot to whack them back in July and now they are taller than I am.