Overview
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst' is a perennial in the genus Pulsatilla, part of the Ranunculaceae family. It typically grows around 0.2 m tall. Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst' 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 and borders. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region and Walloon Region.
About
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst' is a low-growing perennial in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) that flowers in spring from March to May. It forms compact clumps around 0.2 m high and prefers full sun on sandy or loamy, well-drained soils with a neutral to alkaline pH. Fully hardy (H7; roughly USDA 4–8), it suits sunny aspects in rock gardens and borders but is 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 'Mrs Van der Elst' is a spring-flowering perennial from the buttercup family, native to the Flemish and Walloon regions of Belgium. Its main season of bloom runs March to May, making it an early-season presence in the border. Plant into a sunny, well-drained site; this cultivar favours sandy or loamy soils and will tolerate neutral to alkaline pH. Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged — the plant performs best where free drainage prevents standing water. It is exposed to full sun and the hardiness rating H7 indicates it is fully hardy in UK conditions (equivalent broadly to USDA zones 4–8), so it can remain in the open over winter. At roughly 0.2 m high, Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst' works well at the front of a border or tucked into crevices and gravel pockets in a rock garden. Use it where an early display is needed before taller perennials fill out. Note that all parts are toxic if ingested, so avoid planting where children or pets may sample the foliage.
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 'Mrs Van der Elst' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Rock gardens, Borders
- Native to
- Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained calcareous soil; avoid waterlogging; plant in spring or autumn
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage after flowering to maintain appearance
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst'?
Prefers well-drained calcareous soil; avoid waterlogging; plant in spring or autumn.
Where is the best place to plant Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst'?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst' need?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst' 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 'Mrs Van der Elst'?
Remove dead foliage after flowering to maintain appearance.
How big does Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst' grow?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst' reaches a height of 0.2 m.
Is Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst' hardy in the UK?
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst' 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 'Mrs Van der Elst'?
Seed, Division.
Is Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Mrs Van der Elst' toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
