Anemone x h. 'Whirlwind'

Overview and Distinctive Features

Anemone × hybrida 'Whirlwind' is a graceful, late-flowering perennial known for its semi-double, pure white flowers that appear like fluttering butterflies above a mound of attractive green foliage. A cultivar of Japanese anemone (Anemone hupehensis × Anemone vitifolia), ‘Whirlwind’ is prized for its long blooming season, elegant vertical form, and tolerance for partial shade.

Its pristine white blooms with yellow centres create a luminous effect in the garden, especially in shady borders or woodland edges. This robust, clump-forming perennial is a magnet for late-season pollinators, and once established, it naturalizes well with minimal care.

• Height: 90–120 cm

• Spread: 45–60 cm

• Flowers: Semi-double white with golden yellow stamens

• Foliage: Deeply lobed, dark green, palmate leaves

• Habit: Upright, clump-forming with spreading rhizomes

• Type: Herbaceous perennial

• Flowering Time: August to October

• Hardiness: Fully hardy (RHS H7, -15°C or lower)

• Pollinator-friendly: Excellent late nectar source

Planting Location and Soil Requirements

‘Whirlwind’ thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and is particularly useful for adding brightness to part-shade areas. It performs well in borders, naturalistic plantings, or under deciduous trees where summer sunlight reaches the plants.

Light Conditions

• Grows best in partial shade

• Can tolerate full sun if soil remains consistently moist

• Not suitable for full deep shade or very dry sites

Soil Conditions

• Prefers moist but well-drained soils rich in organic matter

• Tolerates clay if improved with compost

• Avoid planting in dry, sandy, or poorly drained areas

Planting Tips

• Plant in spring or autumn, spacing 45–60 cm apart

• Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to conserve moisture

• Consider using a root barrier if you want to contain its spreading habit over time

Watering, Feeding, and Maintenance

Watering

• Requires regular watering during dry spells, especially in its first season

• Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant but benefits from summer irrigation

Feeding

• Apply a general-purpose slow-release fertiliser in spring

• Mulch annually in spring with well-rotted compost or leaf mould to feed the plant and retain soil moisture

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadhead spent flowers to extend the blooming season and improve appearance

• Cut back old stems in late autumn after flowering ends

• Tidy up foliage in early spring before new growth emerges

Winter and Long-Term Care

• Fully hardy in UK and Irish gardens—no special winter protection needed

• Mulch in autumn in colder regions for added root insulation

• Divide every 3–5 years in spring to manage spread and rejuvenate older clumps

• Plants may take 1–2 seasons to fully establish before vigorous flowering

Garden Design and Companion Ideas

‘Whirlwind’ is a standout late-summer perennial that delivers height, movement, and soft colour at a time when many other plants are fading.

Best Uses

• Mixed borders with other shade-tolerant perennials

• Woodland or informal gardens

• Cottage-style plantings

• Late pollinator borders

Companion Plants

• Pairs beautifully with:

  • Hosta, Brunnera, Ferns, Actaea, Astrantia, Pulmonaria, and Hydrangea

  • Mid-height companions like Heuchera, Geranium ‘Rozanne’, and Persicaria

  • Tall spires such as Veronicastrum, Sanguisorba, or Liatris

Additional Highlights

• Excellent for naturalising: Slowly spreads to form generous drifts over time

• Deer and rabbit resistant: Foliage is typically avoided by browsing animals

• Pollinator magnet: Loved by bees and hoverflies when few other nectar sources remain

• Low maintenance: Minimal pest and disease issues

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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