Overview
Pulsatilla vulgaris is a clump forming alpine rockery in the genus Pulsatilla, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Pulsatilla vulgaris 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. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region and Walloon Region.
About
Pulsatilla vulgaris, the pasqueflower, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), found locally on calcareous grassland in Europe, and widely cultivated in gardens. It was considered part of the genus Anemone, to which it is closely related. The name may also be split in two - pasque flower. It is native to Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pulsatilla vulgaris
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, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pulsatilla vulgaris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Alpine bed, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested; may cause skin irritation
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pulsatilla vulgaris
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, loam, and sand; suitable for rock gardens and alpine beds; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage tidy growth; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain plant health
- Propagation
- Seed, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pulsatilla vulgaris?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types including chalk, loam, and sand; suitable for rock gardens and alpine beds; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Pulsatilla vulgaris?
Pulsatilla vulgaris prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Pulsatilla vulgaris need?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 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.
How do I prune Pulsatilla vulgaris?
Remove spent flowers to encourage tidy growth; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain plant health.
How big does Pulsatilla vulgaris grow?
Pulsatilla vulgaris reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Pulsatilla vulgaris hardy in the UK?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 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 vulgaris?
Seed, Root cuttings.
Is Pulsatilla vulgaris toxic?
Toxic if ingested; may cause skin irritation.
More in the Pulsatilla genus
Browse all Pulsatilla →
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