About
Pulsatilla vernalis, lady of the snows, is a semi-evergreen, clump-forming perennial to 10 cm producing intricately divided leaves and nodding, bell-shaped, white flowers 6 cm across with silky outer petals and occasionally violet-flushed margins in spring, followed by silky, feathery seedheads. One of the most beautiful of the pasqueflowers for a sunny, very well-drained, alpine position.
About the genus
Pulsatilla, the pasqueflowers, are herbaceous perennials forming clumps of finely dissected, hairy leaves and producing solitary, bell-shaped or cup-shaped flowers in spring followed by silky, feathery-plumed seedheads. Grown in sunny, well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Native toEurope, N Asia
ToxicityCan cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in very gritty, moist but sharply drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet. It 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
PruningLeave faded flowers as seedheads are an attractive feature
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in an open frame as soon as seed is ripe. Propagate by taking root cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free