Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) is a flowering herb of the buttercup family, known for its very showy flower with purple petals and yellow stamens. It is found on the calcareous grasslands and sparse pine forests of Europe. A legend has it that the flower grew in places soaked by the blood of Romans or Danes.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Pulsatilla vulgaris, the pasqueflower, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), found locally on calcareous grassland in Europe, and widely cultivated in gardens. It was considered part of the genus Anemone, to which it is closely related. Several sources still list Anemone pulsatilla as the accepted name, with Pulsatilla vulgaris as a synonym.
Other variations of its common name include European pasqueflower and common pasqueflower. The name may also be split in two – pasque flower.
This herbaceous perennial plant develops upright rhizomes, which function as food-storage organs. Its leaves and stems are long, soft, silver-grey and hairy. It grows to 15–30 cm (6–12 in) high and when it is fruit-bearing up to 40 cm (16 in). The roots go 1 m (39 in) deep into the soil. The finely-dissected leaves are arranged in a rosette and appear with the bell-shaped flower in early spring. The purple flowers are followed by distinctive silky seed-heads which can persist on the plant for many months.
The flower is ‘cloaked in myth’; one legend has it that Pasque flowers sprang up in places that had been soaked by the blood of Romans or Danes because they often appear on old barrows and boundary banks.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Pasque flower grows best in full sun or part sun.
Temperature and Humidity
Pasque flower grows best when planted in areas with long, chilly winters, and it thrives in northern states. It prefers low to average humidity.
Watering
Adapted to temperate grasslands, pasque flower thrives in well-drained soil, emulating its origins where moisture is moderate but not excessive. It has evolved to tolerate brief periods of drought, making it relatively resilient between watering sessions. Care for pasque flower involves watering every week to maintain its delicate balance. As a herbaceous perennial, pasque flower enters dormancy after flowering; during this time, water requirements diminish as the plant conserves resources.
Soil
These drought-tolerant plants grow in rich or poor soil as long as it drains well and has an alkaline pH of 7 to 8. If the soil is clay, the addition of compost improves its drainage.
Fertilizing
For optimal growth, pasque flower thrives with spring application of balanced nutrition fertilizers, promoting robust growth and vibrant blossoms. Supplement with high phosphorus fertilizers before flowering for improved bloom quality. Fertilize sparingly to avoid nutrient overload; a light sprinkling suffices, adjusted per season and plant size. In growing season, monthly feeding can bolster health, while reducing frequency post-bloom supports natural cycle. Always water soil post-fertilization to aid absorption and prevent root burn. Novices and green thumbs alike should don gloves as a safety precaution and ensure even distribution for uniform nourishment.
Planting Instructions
Plant pasque flower in well-draining soil and full or part sun. In moist climates or heavy soil, plant pasque flowers on sloping beds or hillsides or in raised beds so they have adequate drainage. Pasque flower grows best in northern climates where it receives a prolonged winter chill.
Plant pasque flower nursery plants in spring or early summer. Established plants have a long taproot and are difficult to divide or transplant. Instead, purchase new cultivars from the garden center and watch for seedlings that emerge around established plants. Plant nursery plants in a prepared garden bed at the same depth they were in the nursery container, being careful not to damage the roots. Backfill the hole and water the plant.
When planting seeds, prepare a seed bed in late fall and sow the seeds outdoors. Cover them with 1/8 inch of soil. The seed will overwinter and germinate in spring.
Pruning
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms or to prevent self-seeding. There is no need to cut back the plant in winter. Its dried seed heads and foliage add interest to the winter garden. Wait until spring and then cut it back to the ground right before new growth emerges.
Propagation
The long tap root of pasque flower makes it difficult to divide. Instead, keep an eye on an established plant for any volunteer seedlings growing near the plant. Seedlings can be transplanted successfully while they are young.
Harvest and sow seeds in the fall. Fresh seeds have the best germination rate, and sowing them in the fall takes care of the cold stratification period necessary for breaking dormancy. After the plant finishes blooming and the flowers are spent, the seed head resembles that of a dandelion. Each seed has a feathery attachment. Be vigilant! The seeds are disbursed by wind when they are ripe unless they are harvested first. Sow the seeds on the surface of a prepared seed bed and cover them with 1/8 inch of soil.
Potting and Repotting
Pasque flower grows well in containers that offer good drainage. Fill the container with garden soil amended with compost to be well-draining. Sow the seeds and cover them with no more than 1/8 inch of soil. They need additional water when growing in containers, but the surface should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Although the plant is not a heavy feeder, when grown in a container it benefits from an application of water-soluble fertilizer early in spring. Don’t move the container inside for the winter. Pasque flower needs a dormant period to bloom well in the spring. Don’t let the plant become pot bound. Repot it in a larger pot using the same type soil.
Pests and Diseases
Pasque flower is relatively pest-free, although it sometimes attracts black beetles. They can be picked off by hand and dropped in soapy water or treated with neem oil.
Any problems with the plant are usually related to overly wet soil. Root rot is one to watch out for.
III. Uses and Benefits
Pasque flowers are the ideal planting partners for early spring bloomers such as species tulips and wildflower tulips, miniature daffodils, and crocus. Like the early spring bulbs, pasque flower is an invaluable source of nectar for honeybees and native bees that forage in early spring. Plant drifts of three to five pasque flowers among large clumps of bulbs to create a bold display of nature’s early-season beauty.
IV. Types of Pasque Flower
- ‘Alba’ Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris ‘Alba’ is a clump-forming perennial that stands only 1 foot tall. It has creamy white flowers and blooms in late spring. The large bell-shaped flowers grow up to 3 inches across. It combines well with spring flowering bulbs and is at home in rock gardens. Zones 4-8.
- ‘Papageno’ Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris ‘Papageno’ is a long-time favorite (formerly Anemone pulsatilla) that brings an eye-catching mix of creamy white, bright pink, dark red, and violet flowers to the garden. These fringed and semidouble blooms are crocuslike flowers with a unique flower shape. Fluffy seed heads provide winter interest. Zones 5-7.
- ‘Rote Glocke’ Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris ‘Rote Glocke’, also called ‘Red Bells’ and ‘Red Clock’, produces large, deep crimson flowers in early spring. It has an extended bloom time of more than four weeks and is deer and rabbit resistant. It is an excellent rock garden plant. Zones 4-8.
- ‘Rubra’ Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris ‘Rubra’ has wine-red, cup-shaped flowers with yellow eyes at the ends of the stems from early to mid spring. The plumelike seed heads are particularly attractive. Zones 4-8.