Anemone 'Whirlwind'

Common Name: Japanese Anemone

This gorgeous perennial makes a majestic centerpiece for late summer and fall gardens, coming into its prime just as other plants are beginning to retire for the season. A billowy mound of large, dark green leaves emerges a bit late in spring, making an ideal cover for the dying foliage of spring bulbs.

From late summer into mid-fall, pure white, 2-3”, semi-double flowers with ruffled petals top the tall, graceful stems which sway beautifully in the wind. Though the stems are slim, they are strong and are an elegant addition to fresh bouquets.

Try planting Japanese anemones with other fall bloomers such as asters, snakeroot, and toad lilies.

A staple item for late summer and fall borders, Japanese Anenomes are graceful plants with beautiful, satiny flowers borne on tall stems above a clump of shorter basal foliage. Watching them sway in the breeze brings a feeling of calm and peace to the garden. Since they are a bit late to rise in the spring, they make an ideal cover for the dying foliage of spring bulbs.

Height:

3.0-4.0 Feet

Spread:

2.0-3.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

White Shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Summer Early Fall

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Japanese Anenomes are easy to grow when properly sited. In cooler climates, they can be grown in full sun if a consistant supply of moisture is available. In warmer zones, they need protection from the hot, midday sun; dappled shade is ideal. Plant them in rich, loose, well-drained soil. Dry or excessively wet soil and windy conditions are a sure downfall of this plant. This species spreads by means of creeping rhizomes, and many new plants will appear near the original clump in the spring. They are easily transplanted if they show up where they are not wanted. This should be done in the spring. Make sure to provide a heavy mulch in the fall the first two seasons to prevent frost heaving.

Fun Facts

Anemones used to be called "windflowers."

Characteristics