Tuesday, October 18, 2011

PULSATILLA

This genus of about 30 Eurasian and North American deciduous perennials (family Ranunculaceae) forms clumps of ferny leaves, which in most species are made silver by a dense covering of fine hairs. Long-stemmed cup- or bell-shaped flowers are carried singly with 5 to 8 petals and a prominent golden cluster of stamens. The flowers are graceful and occur in shades of white and yellow to violet-blue. The common name of pasque flower is from the old French word Pasque, meaning Easter, which is around the time when the plants flower in the Northern Hemisphere. Pulsatilla hirsutissima is the state flower of South Dakota.


CULTIVATION


Pulsatilla plants flowers are hardy and need a seasonal temperate climate. They grow well in woodland conditions but are at their best with sun or part-shade and gritty, humus-rich, well-drained by moist soil, such as that found in rocky crevices. Propagate by division when dormant or from seed.


Top Tip


Gardeners with sensitive skin should wear gloves when handling Pulsatilla plants, as both the leaves and the flowers may irritate the skin.

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