By August, it’s fair to say that most gardens are past their peak. That’s why it’s vital to include late-season bloomers, as well as foliage plants with multi-season interest, to keep borders looking fresh through fall. I recently visited a garden that had paired Japanese anemones with ninebark, and it really caught my eye. The combination makes a stunning addition to our new Plant Matchmaker series.

The dainty, saucer-shaped flowers of Japanese anemone (Anemone × hybrida) almost appear to float on their tall, willowy stems. They might look delicate, but they are surprisingly cold-hardy, blooming from late summer through fall. Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), meanwhile, is a shrub with multi-season interest, providing a dense backdrop of foliage that often deepens to bronze in autumn, along with spectacular seed heads – the remnants of beautiful flowers from earlier in the summer.

My top variety picks for this planting combination are the Japanese anemone ‘September Charm’, available to order online from Nature Hills, and ninebark Tiny Wine, available in a pack of four from Walmart. September Charm produces light pink flowers blushed with deeper rose and centered with golden stamens, which appear from August into October. Tiny Wine is a dwarf variety of ninebark, which is ideal for this pairing, as larger varieties will overshadow the anemones. Its bronze-maroon foliage holds its color through the main growing season, creating a dramatic foil for the anemone’s graceful flowers.

These two plants don’t flower at the same time – and that’s part of the appeal. Tiny Wine shines with clusters of pinky-white flowers that are loved by pollinators in late spring and early summer, long before the anemone begins its display. Once the flowers begin to fade, the shrub’s dark foliage provides months of color.

Why Japanese Anemone and Ninebark Work So Well Together

This pairing is all about contrast. The soft pink flowers and delicate green stems of September Charm appear even more dainty against the deep maroon tones of Tiny Wine.

The ever-changing display adds impact across three seasons: ninebark flowers in spring, followed by fruits and bold foliage in summer, with anemones taking over the floral show as fall approaches. It’s such a rich color palette, running from the palest pink through to the darkest red.

The plants’ contrasting growth habits are also important here. September Charm anemones typically reach 3–4 feet in height on wispy flower stems, while Tiny Wine forms a dense, compact, rounded shrub that’s about 3–5 feet tall and wide. The similar heights mean the anemones can mingle around the edges of the ninebark, softening its outline and giving that all-important impression of “floating flowers”.

For the best impact, position ninebark toward the back or middle of the border, and plant anemones in a loose drift around the front and sides. Avoid surrounding the shrub with perfect symmetry – this combo looks most natural when the anemones pop up at irregular intervals.

As well as romantic pink, white Japanese anemones can also work beautifully with dark ninebark. ‘Honorine Jobert’, available at Plant Addicts, is a classic choice, with pure white petals and golden centers that create an elegant contrast with ninebark.

How to Grow Them Together

The key to making this plant pairing work is to find the sweet spot between their individual growing requirements.

Tiny Wine ninebark thrives in a full-sun location, which will allow its foliage to develop its richest hues. It is suitable for planting in USDA zones 3–7 and, once established, it’s a tough, low-maintenance flowering shrub. It can tolerate a range of soil types.

September Charm anemones are hardy in USDA zones 4–8 and will grow in full sun to part shade. This means the combination is only suitable for zones 4–7. In addition, Japanese anemones require organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil. They should not be allowed to dry out, and their foliage can scorch in very hot, exposed locations.

All this means the pairing is best in a sunny border with moist but well-draining soil. In warmer climates, position the plants where they receive plenty of morning sun but have some protection from intense afternoon sun.

When planting, allow enough space for Tiny Wine to reach its maximum mature spread of 3–5 feet, and give the anemones room too, as they will spread through rhizomes.

Water both plants regularly while they are establishing. While ninebark is quite tolerant of dry spells, anemones will need more regular watering.

Ninebark needs little regular pruning. If shaping is required, do it after the spring flowers have finished, as it blooms on old wood. Anemones can be cut back after flowering has finished, though their faded stems do add interest to the garden in late autumn.

Together, these plants create a border that evolves rather than peaking all at once. Ninebark flowers in spring, its rich foliage and fruits carry the display through summer, and Japanese anemones provide the fall finale.