Overview
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' 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 'Alba' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants and flower borders and beds. 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.
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, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
- 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, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested; may cause skin irritation.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained calcareous soil in full sun; avoid waterlogged conditions; suitable for rock gardens and alpine beds.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; 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 'Alba'?
Prefers well-drained calcareous soil in full sun; avoid waterlogged conditions; suitable for rock gardens and alpine beds.
Where is the best place to plant Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba'?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' need?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba'?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain plant health.
How big does Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' grow?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' 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 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' 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 'Alba'?
Seed, Root cuttings.
Is Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' toxic?
Toxic if ingested; may cause skin irritation.
