How to Grow Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris
Pulsatilla vulgaris is a classic spring alpine with silky hairy buds that open to deep purple goblet-shaped flowers, followed by feathery silver seed heads that persist into summer. It thrives in well-drained, alkaline or chalky soil in full sun — a perfect rock garden or gravel garden plant. It resents waterlogged soil and root disturbance. Plant in autumn or early spring and leave undisturbed once established.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Apply a light balanced feed in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers which promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Watch For
- Crown rot in waterlogged soil
- Slug damage to emerging buds in spring
Companions
Saxifraga, Aubrieta, Thyme, Armeria
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun essential
Needs full sun for compact growth and good flowering. Performs best in open, exposed positions like rock gardens and gravel beds.
Watering
Very little, sharp drainage critical
Drought-tolerant alpine that resents wet feet. Water only in prolonged dry spells during establishment. Sharp drainage prevents fatal crown rot.
Fertilizing
Light balanced feed in early spring
A light application of balanced fertiliser in early spring supports flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Remove only dead foliage
Do not cut back hard. Leave the ornamental feathery seed heads to stand through summer. Remove only dead or damaged leaves.
Growing Tips
Alkaline, well-drained soil
Pulsatilla thrives in chalky or alkaline, sharply drained soil. Add grit when planting and avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions.
Enjoy the seed heads
The feathery silver seed heads that follow flowering are highly ornamental. Leave them standing — they persist for months.
Never move established plants
Pulsatilla has a deep taproot and strongly resents being transplanted once settled. Choose the planting position carefully.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 25 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Mature height | 20 cm |
| Mature spread | 25 cm |
Compact clump-forming alpine. Allow space for feathery seed heads to develop. Resents disturbance once established.
