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Pulsatilla vulgaris

pasqueflower

A perennial to 20cm, forming a clump of finely dissected basal leaves, silky when young. Flowers 5-9cm in width, erect or nodding, violet, followed by silky fruiting heads

Other common names
April fools
badgers
see moreblue money
blue tulip
cat's eyes
Coventry bells
Dane's blood
dream herb
Easter flower
flaw flower
flower of the wind
gosling
hart's horn plant
headache plant
meadow anemone
passeflower
Dane's flower
lion's beard
mayflower
prairie smoke
rock lily
Synonyms
Anemone pulsatilla
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Can cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Genus

Pulsatilla are herbaceous perennials forming clumps of finely dissected leaves, with solitary, hairy bell-shaped or cup-shaped flowers followed by silky-plumed seed-heads

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in very well-drained soil in full sun; suitable for rock garden, scree or alpine bed. Resents disturbance and can be hard to establish

Propagation

Propagate by seed or take root cuttings in the winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Slugs may eat the flowers

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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