Overview

Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Pulsar White' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Pulsatilla, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Pulsar White' 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.

About

Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Pulsar White' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the buttercup family that provides a concentrated spring display. It is deciduous and produces its flowers in the spring months of March to May. Plant in full sun on well-drained chalk, loam or sandy soils of any pH, in a south-, east- or west-facing position. It is classed H5 (hardy) and is suited to rock, alpine and gravel beds as well as patio containers.

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 'Pulsar White' is a cultivar of Pulsatilla in the Ranunculaceae and forms neat clumps of deciduous foliage. As a herbaceous perennial it dies back after the season of growth and returns the following year to give a spring display. Flowering occurs from March to May. Give the plant a sunny, well-drained site: chalk, loam or sandy soils suit it and it tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH. Choose a south-, east- or west-facing position where the surface soil stays free-draining; the species will tolerate both exposed and sheltered sites. The H5 hardiness rating means it is considered hardy in most UK gardens. Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Pulsar White' suits rock gardens, alpine beds and gravel planting where a compact, clump-forming habit is wanted, and it adapts well to patio containers provided the compost drains freely. Space plants so each clump has room to spread modestly and avoid waterlogged winters by improving drainage or using a raised bed. Expect flowers between March and May.

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, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Pulsar White' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Rock garden, Alpine bed, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Pulsar White'

Propagation

Seed sown as soon as ripe, Root cuttings in winter

Pest resistance

Slugs may eat the flowers

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions