Pulsatilla vulgaris: Pasque Flower

Pasque Flower – Early Spring Bloomer with Showy Seedheads

Pulsatilla vulgaris blooms 4–6 weeks in spring with fuzzy buds opening to 1.5-inch purple flowers dancing in the breeze. Fuzzy, feathery seedheads follow; felted leaves create a lacy gray-green backdrop. Long taproots resent transplanting; self-sowing yields smaller movable plants.

Noteworthy

• Long spring bloom period
• Beautiful flowers and ornamental seedheads
• Self-sows
• Under 6 inches tall, spreads 6–12 inches

Culture

Full sun, well-drained neutral to alkaline soil. Sow seed when ripe in open frame; take root cuttings in winter. Slugs/snails may eat new growth.

Uses

Rock gardens, spring interest.