Harlequin Cameo Anemone
Harlequin Cameo Anemone
A Compact Fall Anemone in Soft Pink
Harlequin Cameo Anemone (Anemone 'Harlequin Cameo') brings the late-season charm of Japanese anemones to a tidier, more compact package, lifting soft pink, golden-eyed flowers on slender stems above neat mounds of dark foliage from late summer into fall. Its smaller stature suits the front of part-shade borders and containers, adding fresh color just as the season winds down. Deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly, it's a graceful pick for Minnetonka, Lakeville, and Blaine gardens.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Anemone 'Harlequin Cameo' |
| Mature Size | 14–18 in tall, 12–16 in wide (compact) |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 4–8 (hardy in the Twin Cities; mulch in colder areas) |
| Light | Part shade to full sun (afternoon shade ideal) |
| Bloom Time | Late summer to fall |
| Flower Color | Soft pink with golden centers |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-drained |
Landscape Uses
Use Harlequin Cameo at the front of part-shade borders, in containers, and along woodland edges for compact late-season color. It pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and ornamental grasses.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring so the roots establish well before winter. In colder parts of Minnesota, a protected site and winter mulch improve overwintering.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill with compost-enriched soil, water thoroughly, and mulch 2–3 inches deep.
Watering
First Year: Keep the soil consistently moist, watering 2–3 times per week. Anemones dislike drying out.
After Year One: Water regularly during dry spells; they prefer steady moisture.
Drip Irrigation: A soaker hose or drip line keeps the root zone evenly moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does it get?
It stays compact at about 14–18 inches, ideal for the front of beds and containers.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
It's reliably hardy in the Twin Cities; in colder areas plant in a sheltered spot and mulch for winter.
When does it bloom?
Late summer into fall.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer tend to avoid anemones.
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Pair Harlequin Cameo with taller fall anemones, hostas, and ornamental grasses for a layered late-season part-shade border.
How Many Harlequin Cameo Anemone Do I Need?
This compact anemone reads best in drifts at the front of a part-shade bed. Space plants about 14 inches apart and plant in groups of 3 to 5 for a full, knit-together look.
| Bed Run | Plants Needed (14 in spacing) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 4 |
| 10 ft | 8 |
| 15 ft | 13 |
| 20 ft | 17 |
Harlequin Cameo Anemone Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Emerges into neat mounds of dark green foliage that fill the front of the bed.
- Summer: Tidy compact foliage holds the edge; flower buds form on slender stems by late summer.
- Fall: Soft pink, golden-eyed flowers open just as the season winds down, feeding late-season bees.
- Winter: Dies back to the ground; a winter mulch helps it overwinter in colder parts of the state.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Shade-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Japanese Painted Fern — silvery fronds contrast the dark anemone foliage in part shade.
- Jack Frost Brunnera — frosted silver leaves brighten the same shaded bed all season.
- Happy Spirit Astilbe — soft pink summer plumes lead into the anemone's fall show.
- Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass — upright structure and movement behind the low mounds.
Is Harlequin Cameo Anemone Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in part shade with afternoon protection, in rich, moist, well-drained soil at the front of a border or in a container. Not a fit if your spot is dry or bakes in all-day sun, or if you want early-season color — this is a fall bloomer that earns its keep late.