Robustissima Anemone
Robustissima Anemone
The Hardiest, Most Vigorous Fall Anemone
Robustissima Anemone (Anemone tomentosa 'Robustissima'), the grapeleaf anemone, is the toughest and most cold-hardy of the fall-blooming anemones, the best choice for Minnesota gardeners who've struggled to overwinter Japanese types. Silvery-pink, golden-eyed flowers wave on tall stems above bold, grape-like foliage from late summer into fall, and the vigorous, spreading roots quickly fill a space. Deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly, it's a dependable late-season performer for Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Eagan.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Anemone tomentosa 'Robustissima' |
| Mature Size | 3–4 ft tall, spreading |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 3–8 (fully hardy across Minnesota) |
| Light | Part shade to full sun |
| Bloom Time | Late summer to fall |
| Flower Color | Silvery-pink with golden centers |
| Soil | Average to moist, well-drained; adaptable |
Landscape Uses
Use Robustissima in part-shade to sunny borders, woodland edges, and naturalized areas where its vigorous spread is welcome. It's excellent for filling larger spaces and pairs well with grasses, hostas, and other fall bloomers; flowers are great for cutting.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall. This anemone is hardier than most and establishes readily in Minnesota.
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, water in well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep. Give it room, as it spreads to form a colony.
Watering
First Year: Water deeply 1–2 times per week to establish the roots.
After Year One: Water during dry spells. It's more drought tolerant than other fall anemones once established.
Drip Irrigation: A drip line keeps moisture even during establishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Robustissima over other anemones?
It's the hardiest and most vigorous fall anemone, the most reliable choice for colder Minnesota gardens.
Does it spread?
Yes, vigorously by rhizomes, so give it space or site it where spreading is welcome.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, it's hardy to Zone 3 and reliable statewide.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer tend to avoid anemones.
You May Also Like
Pair Robustissima with our other fall anemones, ornamental grasses, and asters for a vigorous, pollinator-friendly late-season display.
How Many Robustissima Anemone Do I Need?
This anemone spreads by rhizome to form a colony, so space starter plants about 24 inches apart and let them knit together over a couple of seasons.
| Bed Run | Plants Needed (at 24 in spacing) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 2 |
| 10 ft | 5 |
| 15 ft | 8 |
| 20 ft | 10 |
Plant in drifts of 3–5 in a spot where spreading is welcome — it fills larger naturalized areas faster than most fall bloomers.
Robustissima Anemone Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Bold, grape-like foliage mounds emerge and spread across the bed.
- Summer: Lush foliage fills in; tall flower stems begin rising in late summer.
- Fall: Silvery-pink, golden-eyed flowers wave on tall stems well into fall — prime late-season nectar.
- Winter: Dies back to the ground; vigorous rhizomes return stronger and wider each year.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Shade-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Pink Saucers Anemone — a fall-anemone sibling to widen the late-season pink display.
- Little Bluestem — an upright native grass that catches the same autumn light.
- Woods Purple Aster — purple fall daisies that bloom alongside it for pollinators.
- Japanese Painted Fern — silver fronds for the shadier edges of the colony.
Is Robustissima Anemone Right for Your Yard?
It is the hardiest, most vigorous fall anemone — thriving in part shade to full sun in average, well-drained soil — and the best bet for Minnesota gardeners who've struggled to overwinter Japanese types. Not a fit if you want a tidy, stay-put clump or have a hot, bone-dry site; it spreads enthusiastically and prefers some moisture.