About

A small, clump-forming perennial to around 20cm high with divided, feathery foliage covered in silky hairs and from late spring into early summer, nodding, yellow, bell-shaped flowers to about 3cm long.

About the genus

Pulsatilla are herbaceous perennials forming clumps of finely dissected leaves, with solitary, hairy bell-shaped or cup-shaped flowers followed by silky-plumed seed-heads

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden, Patio and container plants, Gravel garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in good light. Pulsatilla resents root disturbance and may be difficult to establish, so plant when small and leave undisturbed. Can also be grown in pots in an alpine house
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown as soon as it is ripe in containers in an open frame, or by root cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slug and snail damage on young growth but generally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free