Anemone 'Whirlwind' is a graceful, double flowered Japanese anemone that brings a refined elegance to the late season garden. Its crisp white, semi-double blooms that resemble fluttering petals in motion add freshness and light to garden beds from late summer through fall.
Height & Spread: 2.5 - 3 ft x 2 ft
Bloom Time: Late summer (August to October)
Light Requirements: Part sun to part shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal
Soil Preference: Moist, rich, well-drained soil; tolerates loam and clay-loam
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture and mulched soils
Deer Resistance: Moderately resistant; may be browsed but generally avoided due to foliage texture
NATIVE STATUS
Cultivated hybrid of Asian origin (Anemone hupehensis x Anemone vitifolia), selected for its unique double white blooms. While not suitable for ecological restoration, it is valuable in designed pollinator gardens for its extended bloom season.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Late-season butterflies, including monarchs and skippers, are drawn to its open flowers for nectar.
Bees
- Supports bumblebees and other native bees that forage heavily in late summer and fall.
Other Insects
- Frequently visited by hoverflies and nectar-seeking beetles.
- Although it does not serve as a larval host plant, it plays a valuable nectar role when most native flowers have faded.
SPACING & LANDSCAPE USE
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart for air circulation and clump development.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for shade borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly woodland designs. Use as a mid-border accent where its white flowers will brighten lower-light conditions.
COMPANION PLANTS
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Gillenia trifoliata (Bowman’s Root) - native with delicate white spring flowers and striking fall foliage.
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Heuchera americana (Alumroot) - colorful foliage that complements the clean white blooms.
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Solidago caesia (Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod) - a native, shade-tolerant goldenrod for fall bloom contrast.
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Stylophorum diphyllum (Celandine Poppy) - for yellow spring flowers and rich green foliage later on.
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Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - a soft, native groundcover with frothy blooms and shaded charm.