Compared to Spring Bean, Whirlwind trades cost for power, costing 2 less sun but being unable to select which zombie to Bounce and having no useful tribes. Due to its ability being random, it is better to eliminate zombies yourself so that only threats remain on the field, then activate Whirlwind to eliminate one of those threats temporarily. It is not recommended to play this on the first turn, as your opponent has a chance to replay the Bounced zombie, unless you don't have a 1-sun cost plant for threats such as Mini-Ninja and Tennis Champ.
Against
Since Spring Bean acts similarly to Whirlwind, any strategy with Spring Bean applies to Whirlwind as well. However, you are a bit safer against Whirlwind as your opponent cannot select which zombie to Bounce.
Gallery
Whirlwind's statistics
Whirlwind's card
Whirlwind's card image
Whirlwind's being played
Whirlwind costing 3 sun due to Defensive End's ability
Old
Whirlwind's statistics
The player having the choice between Whirlwind and Summoning as a prize for completing a level before update 1.2.11