Anemone hybrida Whirlwind

Anemone x hybrida 'Whirlwind' perfectly embodies the charm of September. From August onwards, multiple white flowers washed with pink on the reverse side bloom, carried supplely above the foliage. They sway gently in the wind and play hide-and-seek with the sun. Japanese anemones are often planted in cottage gardens due to their very accommodating nature and natural robustness capable of eliminating weeds. Sometimes slow to establish, they thrive in partial shade, under the cover of trees, in regularly amended soil that remains slightly moist in summer.

'Whirlwind' is a perennial plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. This old variety, still highly appreciated, will reach approximately 1.2m (4ft) in height depending on the fertility of the soil it is planted in, with a minimum diameter of 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in). Like other Japanese anemones, it is a perennial plant with fibrous "tubers" that form vigorous and rounded clumps over time. The foliage is deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on the climate. It is deeply cut, dark green, strongly veined on the reverse side, and pubescent and downy when they unfold. The flowering takes place from August to October, and it is particularly abundant. The 6cm (2in) diameter flowers are solitary, borne on sturdy, slender, branched stems. They first appear as delightful oval and downy buds, then open up into flared cups with 20 to 30 rather narrow petals that are spatulate and slightly twisted. They are pure white on the inside, washed with pink on the outside. They surround a small green heart surrounded by a crown of golden yellow stamens. Japanese anemones can live for at least ten years in the same place, with a generous supply of compost in late winter.

Japanese Anemone is one of the loveliest autumn flowers. It decorates the garden or large pots on a patio from late summer until the first frost. In the background of borders for the larger varieties, it blends its elegant flowering with the grace of Aster cordifolius or Aster laevis, and the nostalgic charm of perennial chrysanthemums. The 'Whirlwind' variety is perfect for the back of borders, in front of a hedge of hydrangeas, for example. Its finely cut foliage provides a beautiful dark green note to flower bouquets.

This variety tolerates periodically dry soils, in not too hot exposures, and tolerates sun in cool and humus-rich soil. It adapts well to the base of trees that provide it with a fairly cool atmosphere, favourable to its development. For example, plant it with Cimicifuga 'White Pearl' and 'Atropurpurea'.

Its stems are ideal for winter bouquets. Cut stems bearing the dry-looking seed capsules and put them in a vase; white catkins will emerge after 2 hours at room temperature.