Whirlwind Anemone

‘Whirlwind’ is a vigorous Japanese anemone with upright stems of semi-double to double white flowers above lobed green foliage. It brings late-season bloom to cottage gardens and mixed borders, where it can be used as a mid-height perennial or cut flower. ## Flowers and placement The [Royal Horticultural Society profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/207817/anemone-japonica-whirlwind/details) lists ‘Whirlwind’ under *Anemone japonica*. The [Chicago Botanic Garden plant finder](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/anemone-x-hybrida-whirlwind-whirlwind-japanese-anemone) uses *Anemone × hybrida* for the same named cultivar. The RHS describes a clump-forming perennial near 90 cm tall, with white flowers from late summer to late autumn. Chicago Botanic Garden independently confirms semi-double white flowers, fall bloom, and a roughly three-foot flowering height. Its open flowers and airy stems suit the middle or back of a border; leave room for the clump to broaden. ## Siting Grow in full sun or partial shade in soil that stays evenly moist but drains well. The RHS reports that established plants can spread quickly by underground growth, so use a root barrier or remove unwanted shoots where a defined edge matters. Avoid a site that remains waterlogged in winter. The plant is listed for USDA zones 5–8 by Chicago Botanic Garden; the RHS gives a UK hardiness rating, which is not a USDA-zone equivalent. ## Maintenance Cut old stems back in late autumn after flowering, as recommended by the RHS, or leave them until early spring where winter structure is useful. Check the perimeter each season and divide or remove extra shoots if the clump exceeds its space. Water during extended dry periods to maintain flowering and healthy foliage.