Anemone Whirlwind

Description

Anemone ‘Whirlwind’ – Japanese anemone

Botanical name: Anemone x hybrida ‘Whirlwind’
Common names: Japanese anemone, windflower
Family: Ranunculaceae
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, spreading, with tall wiry flower stems
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 1–1.2m tall × spreading
Foliage: Divided, dark green leaves in a low basal clump; deciduous
Flowers: Semi-double white flowers with twisted, swirling petals and golden centres, late summer into autumn (August–October)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Sheltered or open; tolerant
Native range: Garden form; the parent species are native to Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Low toxicity; the sap can irritate skin, and the plant may cause mild stomach upset if eaten

Anemone ‘Whirlwind’ is an elegant Japanese anemone with semi-double white flowers whose twisted, swirling petals give it real character, on tall stems from late summer into autumn. Graceful for sun or partial shade.

GardenAdvice notes

A distinctive white Japanese anemone, ‘Whirlwind’ is named for the way its semi-double flowers hold their petals in a lovely twisted, swirling arrangement, giving it more character than a plain single. Like all Japanese anemones it carries its elegant flowers on tall wiry stems from late summer well into autumn, bringing invaluable late colour and grace to sun or partly shaded borders.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun to partial shade — it tolerates quite a lot of shade. It can be slow to establish in its first year, then settles and spreads. Space about 45–60cm apart. Water well while establishing.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance once established. Water in dry spells in its first year. Leave the seed heads for winter interest or cut back after flowering; tidy old growth in late winter. Once settled it spreads by underground runners and can be vigorous, so lift and reduce it if it exceeds its space.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide, or detach rooted pieces, in spring or autumn.
• Root cuttings: Can be propagated from root cuttings in winter.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and healthy. It can be slow to establish, then spreads vigorously. Powdery mildew occasionally occurs in dry spells. Otherwise robust.

Uses in the garden

Superb in mixed, cottage and shady borders, woodland edges and among shrubs, where its tall, elegant late flowers bring grace and colour as summer perennials fade.

Wildlife value

The open flowers are a valuable late-season source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects.

Toxicity & safety

Japanese anemone has a low level of toxicity: the sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when cutting it, and the plant may cause mild stomach upset if eaten.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Whirlwind’ is a lovely white Japanese anemone with a bit of extra character in its swirling, semi-double petals. Like all its kind it may sit and sulk in its first year before settling in, so be patient, plant it where it has room to spread, and enjoy years of graceful late-season flowers once it gets going.

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