Pulsatilla vulgaris
Garden Plant Information

Pulsatilla vulgaris

 

Pulsatilla vulgaris - seed-head

 

Name

Pulsatilla vulgaris (also called Pasque Flower)

Genus  

Pulsatilla

Species

vulgaris

Cultivar/variety

 

General description

Herbaceous, rosette-forming perennial, with hairy stems, leaves and flowers. This plant gives lovely spring colour and looks beautiful on sunny days as the light catches the tiny hairs and gives the whole plant a glowing appearance. Good for alpine planting, scree beds and rock gardens. The flowers attract bees and serve as a useful food source for early foragers.

Season of interest

Spring flowers followed by an increase in the finely cut leaves, which become larger in size. Attractive feathery seed heads in summer.

Key horticultural features

  1. Pinnate, deeply divided leaves are feathery and covered with fine silver hairs. Leaves enlarge after flowering has finished. H&S: 20cm x 20cm

  2. Rounded, hairy stems which elongate after flowering has finished.

  3. Six-petalled, hairy, cup-shaped, purple flower with bright yellow stamens. Erect at first then drooping. Flowers also droop in wet weather.

  4. Feathery seeds borne in pom-pom like bunches on long hairy stems.

Cultural details

Aspect

Sunny. Exposed or sheltered.

Soil

Well drained, humus-rich, well-drained soil. They will tolerate alkaline soil.

Hardiness

Hardy.

Maintenance

Very little needed; resents being moved so find them the right place and leave them to get on with it.

 

Generally disease free but the flowers may be attacked by slugs.

Propagation

By fresh seed, root-stock in autumn/winter. May self-seed.