Pulsatilla (pull-suh-TILL-uh) Common Name:  Pasque flower Light:  - Full sun to part shade Soil:  Average to rich, well-drained Moisture:  Average to slightly dry, drought tolerant Blooms:  Summer Zones:  3 - 8 -*-

Pulsatilla vulgaris Pulsatilla v. 'Rubra'

Pulsatilla Description and Cultural Information

Pulsatilla vulgaris, pasque flower. 8 - 12". Pasque flowers are beautiful for their fine, fernlike foliage, their interesting seed heads, and of course their wonderful, early, violet-purple flowers. 'Blaue Glocke' has larger violet-purple flowers. 'Rubra' and 'Rote Glocke' have red flowers. 'Alba' has white flowers. 'Papageno' is a group with mixed colors and semi-double flowers.

How to Grow:  Plant pasque flowers in average to rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. They are easy to grow as long as they are never wet and seem to thrive in heat and drought. Plant them in raised beds, on hillsides, in rock gardens, or in the sunny border. They will do fine in a sandy loam, but add some compost and you will get larger and more numerous flowers.

Landscape uses:  Plant Pulsatilla with bulbs or spring blooming perennials such as rock cress (Arabis) or candytuft (Iberis) or use them for foliage effect or wherever you need a colorful spring display. They are great at the edge of pathways where you will enjoy them each time you walk past.