Pasque flower, Wind flower
anemone pulsatilla
Also known as: ["Prairie crocus","Easter flower","Globe flower"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with silky, feathery seed heads and cup-shaped flowers, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","cold hardy","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Anemone |
| Botanical Name: | Pulsatilla vulgaris |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; occasional cleanup of old growth in late winter.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an overgrown plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to dappled light in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; provide shade in extreme heat; ensure good air circulation.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogging.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–70°F / 15–21°C); tolerates cold but prefers protection from extreme frost.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent cool conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; stop in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or division; seeds require stratification for germination.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect seeds after flowering.
- Stratify for 4–6 weeks.
- Sow shallowly.
- Keep moist.
- Divide mature clumps in spring.
Best Time: Early spring for division; autumn for seed sowing after cold stratification.
Environment
Cool temperatures (50–60°F / 10–15°C), high humidity, and partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or sandy loam for division.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Seeds: 1–3 months for germination; division: immediate establishment.
Tools Needed
Pruners, trowel, seed trays, plastic wrap for humidity.
Quick Tips
Stratify seeds for better germination; divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back leggy stems; remove yellowing or dead leaves.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage and spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Tools
Clean bypass pruners, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or diseased parts; shape lightly; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out crowded roots; ensure good drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; gently remove plant; trim roots if needed; repot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the soil surface is dry to the touch, typically every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid compacting soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature dormancy in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root damage, or lead to frost injury if temperatures drop below freezing.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; use frost cloth for protection.
Hot Stress
Causes wilting, leaf burn, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat and evaporation.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid contact with roots; rinse excess fertilizer from soil.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Anemone pulsatilla, which can induce severe gastrointestinal upset and systemic effects. Protoanemonin can cause significant irritation and inflammation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe toxic principles in Anemone pulsatilla can cause significant gastrointestinal distress in dogs, leading to discomfort and potential dehydration. Protoanemonin is particularly irritating to mucous membranes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAnemone pulsatilla contains toxic compounds, including protoanemonin, which can cause severe irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and skin upon contact. The plant's effects are primarily due to the disruption of cellular processes and inflammation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pulsatilla toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should Pulsatilla be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Pulsatilla attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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