Overview
Pulsatilla violacea is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Pulsatilla, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Pulsatilla violacea grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, alpine bed, gravel garden and patio and container plants.
About
Pulsatilla violacea is a clump-forming cultivar of the Pulsatilla genus, which comprises herbaceous perennials with finely divided foliage. This deciduous plant produces individual, hairy, bell- or cup-shaped flowers in spring and summer, followed by seed heads with silky plumes. It thrives in full sun on well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, and tolerates a range of soil pH levels from acid to alkaline. Suitable for rock gardens, alpine beds, gravel gardens, and containers, it is hardy to UK zone H5 and benefits from watering during establishment.
About the genus
Pulsatilla is a genus that contains about 40 species of herbaceous perennial plants native to meadows and prairies of North America, Europe, and Asia. Common names include pasque flower, wind flower, prairie crocus, Easter flower, and meadow anemone. Several species are valued ornamentals because of their finely-dissected leaves, solitary bell-shaped flowers, and plumed seed heads.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pulsatilla", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pulsatilla
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pulsatilla
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pulsatilla violacea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Alpine bed, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pulsatilla violacea
- Propagation
- Seed sown as soon as ripe, Root cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- Slugs may eat the flowers
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pulsatilla violacea?
Pulsatilla violacea prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Pulsatilla violacea need?
Pulsatilla violacea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Pulsatilla violacea hardy in the UK?
Pulsatilla violacea has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Pulsatilla violacea?
Seed sown as soon as ripe, Root cuttings in winter.
