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.