About
Pulsatilla vulgaris, the pasqueflower, is a perennial to 20 cm forming a clump of finely dissected, silky-hairy basal leaves. Large, erect to nodding, violet to purple, cup-shaped flowers 5�9 cm across are produced in spring, followed by ornamental, silky, feathery seedheads. A beautiful and rewarding native perennial for a sunny, well-drained chalk or limestone border or rock garden.
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, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Native toEurope
ToxicityCan cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in very well-drained soil in full sun; suitable for rock garden, scree or alpine bed. Resents disturbance and can be hard to establish
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or take root cuttings in the winter
Pest resistanceSlugs may eat the flowers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free