POLLINATING INSECTS LOVE ANEMONE 'SEPTEMBER CHARM'

One plant that is standing out in my garden border right now, and managing to do it in subtle rather than brash way, is the Japanese Anemone 'September Charm'.  Creating a background is the Cherry Red phlox with its vibrant colour and yet the anemone is the one that draws my eye...

Japanese Anemone 'September Charm'

What is also lovely about this elegant plant is the fact that it draws pollinating insects.  In the photo below is a hoverfly enjoying itself on an anemone.  I was a bit confused about this insect as it is quite big, did not seem to hover, and I cannot say I have noticed hoverflies with abdomens like this before, predominantly black with narrow yellow bands.  However, there are differences between bees and hoverflies.  Hoverflies have short antennae and the wings are different.  Check this external link for more information about the wings.

http://bioref.lastdragon.org/Diptera/Eristalis_pertinax.html

Hoverfly on Japanese Anemone 'September Charm'

Possibly Eristalis pertinax 

The anemone 'September Charm' has turned out to be quite a welcome beauty in my garden.  You should be aware that Japanese Anemones have invasive tendencies. 





The label says that 'September Charm' is a valuable autumn flowering perennial with bright purple-pink flowers in September.  It is suitable for sun or partial shade in rich, well-drained soil.  It flowers late summer to early autumn and achieves a height of 80-90cm (32-34in) and spread of 45cm (18").  After flowering, cut stems down to ground level.