Pulsatilla vulgaris ‘Rubra’ – A Striking Early Spring Bloom with Velvety Red Flowers Pulsatilla vulgaris ‘Rubra’, also known as the red pasque flow...
View full detailsPulsatilla (Pasqueflower) – Early Spring Stars with Vibrant Blooms
Pulsatilla, also known as Pasqueflower, is a charming, early-blooming perennial that brings a burst of colour to the garden just as winter's grip starts to loosen. These pretty little plants form neat clumps of finely cut, fern-like leaves, and by early spring, they send up short stems topped with stunning, anemone-like flowers in a range of rich colours—from purple and blue to soft pinks and whites. A true herald of spring, Pulsatilla often emerges around Easter time, earning its name as one of the first flowers to grace the garden.
Early Blooms – Pulsatilla’s vibrant, anemone-shaped flowers are one of the first signs of spring, bringing a pop of colour when the garden is still waking up.
Charming & Compact – With its neat, tussock-like growth habit, this plant fits effortlessly into any garden, whether tucked in a border, container, or rock garden.
Finely Cut Leaves – The soft, feathery foliage provides texture and interest even after the blooms have faded.
Easy to Grow – Pulsatilla thrives in a wide range of soil types and is happy in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
Pollinator-Friendly – Loved by bees and other early-season pollinators, Pulsatilla is a great choice for supporting local wildlife.
Pulsatilla doesn’t ask for much but offers so much in return. It’s perfect for the front of borders, rockeries, or anywhere you need a splash of early colour. Its compact size means it won't take up much space, making it ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or as an accent plant in a perennial bed. Be sure to plant it in a sunny or lightly shaded spot where it can bask in the early spring sunshine.
Soil – Pulsatilla thrives in well-drained soil, though it adapts easily to a wide range of soil types. Just ensure it has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Light – While it enjoys full sun, it will also do well in partial shade, making it a versatile plant for a variety of garden conditions.
Watering – Once established, Pulsatilla is quite drought-tolerant, but during the first growing season, regular watering will help it settle in.
Maintenance – Pulsatilla is low-maintenance, but a light trim after flowering will help keep it looking tidy and encourage fresh growth. Cut back spent flowers and leaves in late spring or early summer to allow the plant to rest.
Pulsatilla pairs beautifully with other early-blooming perennials like Crocus, Primula, Hellebores, and Iris reticulata. It also works wonderfully in rock gardens alongside Sedum or Allium for a delicate, textured effect. For a pop of contrast, try pairing it with silver-leaved plants like Artemisia or Stachys.
