Overview
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' is a perennial in the genus Pulsatilla, part of the Ranunculaceae family. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and alpine gardens. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region and Walloon Region.
About
A perennial in the buttercup family, Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' bears early spring purple flowers from March to May. It stays low, reaching about 0.2 m, with softly hairy, silver-grey foliage. Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot on neutral to alkaline sandy or loamy soil; it is fully hardy (H7) but toxic if ingested.
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
In the garden
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' is a compact perennial in the Ranunculaceae, native to regions of Belgium. Its bowl-shaped purple flowers appear in spring, March to May, and are followed by distinctive silky seed-heads that can remain on the plant for many months, extending its seasonal interest. Position the pasqueflower in full sun on a sunny aspect where soil drains freely; it favours sandy or loamy substrates with a neutral to alkaline reaction. Soils that dry out quickly are acceptable, but the plant will also tolerate sites that stay moderately moist provided they remain well-drained. Rated H7 for UK hardiness (USDA zones 4–8), Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' withstands typical British winters in open, exposed sites. Use 'Budapest' in rock gardens, alpine beds or at the front of borders where its low mound and early blooms can be seen close to the ground. Avoid planting where children or pets might ingest foliage or seed-heads, as the plant is toxic if eaten. The combination of early purple flowers and long-lasting seed-heads gives a clear seasonal sequence from flowering into seed display specific to this cultivar.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pulsatilla
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- Sunny
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Rock gardens, Borders, Alpine gardens
- Native to
- Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained calcareous soil; avoid waterlogging; plant in spring or autumn
- Pruning
- Cut back dead foliage after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest'?
Prefers well-drained calcareous soil; avoid waterlogging; plant in spring or autumn.
Where is the best place to plant Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest'?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' need?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest'?
Cut back dead foliage after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' grow?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' reaches a height of 0.2 m.
Is Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' hardy in the UK?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest'?
Seed, Division.
Is Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Budapest' toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
