Pasqueflower Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Eva Constance'
ABOUT
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Eva Constance', commonly known as the Pasque Flower, exhibits a unique and striking appearance that captivates many garden enthusiasts. This particular cultivar has a remarkable flower characterized by its delicate, soft violet petals which have a silky semblance creating a sense of lushness. As a herald of spring, its blooms are among the first to emerge, cradling a prominent central tuft of golden stamens that attract the eye and serve as a contrasting focal point. The flowers are bell-shaped when they first appear, gently unfurling as they mature into a more open and cup-like form, proudly displaying their interior beauty. The Pasque Flower has a notable characteristic in its foliage which complements its floral display. The leaves are deeply divided and fern-like in appearance, often covered with fine silvery hairs that can give them a somewhat glistening or frosted appearance when kissed by sunlight or dew. After flowering, this plant produces equally ornamental seed heads. These come in the form of fluffy, silvery tufts that retain their appeal long after the petals have faded, offering extended visual interest in the garden. 'Eva Constance' is also appreciated for the soft, downy appearance of its plant parts, imparting a soft texture which is pleasing both visually and to the touch. Together with its vibrant but delicate flowers and attractive foliage and seed heads, it makes for an enchanting presence in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Pasque Flower, Common Pasque Flower, European Pasqueflower.
Common names
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Eva Constance'.
ToxicityTo humans
Pasque flower is considered toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain toxic compounds like ranunculin, which can be converted into protoanemonin, an irritant substance. If someone consumes any part of the pasque flower, they may experience symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to complications like respiratory depression and convulsions. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Care should be taken to avoid ingestion and to wear gloves when handling the plant to prevent skin reactions.
To pets
Pasque flower is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, and should never be ingested. Similarly to humans, all parts of the plant can be harmful, and the presence of protoanemonin can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and abdominal pain if eaten. In severe cases, it may lead to respiratory distress or seizures. Touching the plant may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. If you suspect your pet has ingested pasque flower, you should seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Spread
8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens - The Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Eva Constance', commonly known as Pasque Flower, boasts unique and colorful blooms that enhance the visual interest of garden spaces.
- Supports local biodiversity - Being a native wildflower in some regions, it can provide food resources for local pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Low maintenance - As a hardy perennial, it requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought-tolerant - Once established, Pasque Flowers have good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Early spring blooming - Pasque Flowers are among the first to bloom in spring, bringing color to the garden after the winter season.
- Deer resistant - They are not a preferred food source for deer, which helps to prevent grazing damage in areas with deer populations.
- Works well in rock gardens and alpine settings - Their growth habit and adaptability make them suitable for rockery landscapes and alpine garden designs.
- Seasonal interest - In addition to their flowers, their feathery seed heads also provide visual interest later in the growing season.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pulsatilla vulgaris, commonly known as Pasque Flower, can be used in fabric dyeing, particularly the flowers, which yield shades of green and yellow depending on the mordant used.
- The fluffy seed heads of Pasque Flower may be used in dried flower arrangements, providing a unique texture and visual interest after the blooming period has ended.
- The plant has been historically used as a symbol in religious festivals around Easter due to its early spring flowering, hence its common name associating it with the paschal season (Pasque referring to Easter).
- Gardeners may use Pasque Flower in rock gardens for its ability to thrive in well-drained, gritty soils and complement other alpine plants.
- In photography, the Pasque Flower's distinct appearance is popular for macro photography, showcasing its fine details and rich colors.
- The Pasque Flower's early bloom can be an indicator of soil health, especially the presence of chalk or limestone, as it prefers these conditions to grow.
- The plant can contribute to ecological gardening by providing an early nectar source for pollinators such as bees when other food sources are scarce.
- Some cultures have used Pasque Flower in storytelling and folklore, associating it with tales of spring and rebirth due to its early spring emergence.
- This plant can be incorporated into sensory gardens because of its silky seed heads and delicate flowers that provide a soft tactile experience.
- The contrasting colors and textures of Pasque Flower make it suitable for educational purposes, helping to teach about plant lifecycle from buds, to bloom, and finally, to seed formation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pasque Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pasque Flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Humility: Pulsatilla vulgaris, commonly known as pasqueflower, often symbolizes humility due to its drooping flower heads that seem to bow towards the ground.
- Patience: The pasqueflower blooms in early spring, which signifies waiting and patience as it is one of the first plants to emerge after the winter.
- Femininity: The pasqueflower is linked with femininity and maternal love, perhaps because of its soft, furry appearance and its traditional association with Easter, which has themes of rebirth and motherhood.
- Remembrance: Pasqueflowers grow in old meadows which have long been undisturbed, leading to their association with remembrance and the past.
- Spirituality and solitude: The plant is known for growing in isolation or in small groups in meadows and prairies, symbolizing a deep spiritual connection and solitude.
WaterThe Pasque Flower prefers a watering schedule that allows its soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This typically means watering about once a week, but this can vary depending on your local climate and the time of year. It's important to avoid overwatering as Pasque Flowers do not like soggy conditions. When watering, apply enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about one inch. During the growing season, aim to provide the plant with roughly one gallon of water every week or two, adjusting based on rainfall and temperatures.
LightPasque Flowers thrive in full sun to partial shade environments. The ideal location for these plants is a spot where they can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day, but they can also tolerate some light afternoon shade. Avoid deep shade locations, as this can result in poor blooming and weak growth.
TemperaturePasque Flowers are hardy and can endure a wide range of temperatures. They can survive winter cold down to around -20°F and summer heat up to 90°F. However, their ideal growing temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. Protect them from extreme temperature fluctuations to maintain their health and vigor.
PruningPruning Pasque Flowers is not essential but can be beneficial for promoting healthy growth and maintaining an attractive shape. After the flowers have finished blooming, deadhead the spent blooms to encourage additional flowering. Prune away any dead or damaged foliage in the spring. The best time for any major pruning is after flowering has ceased for the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Pasque flower requires well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH of slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 7.0-8.0). A mix of two-thirds coarse sand or grit with one-third compost is ideal for this species, ensuring good drainage and fertility.
RepottingPasque flowers do not like to be disturbed and therefore should be repotted sparingly, preferably only when necessary, such as when they outgrow their containers, which could be every few years.
Humidity & MistingPasque flowers prefer a dry environment and should not be exposed to high humidity levels. They thrive in the natural ambient humidity found in most temperate regions without the need for additional humidification.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and cool temperatures for indoor Pasque flowers.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, in well-draining soil; protect from wet and high humidity.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePulsatilla vulgaris 'Eva Constance', commonly known as Pasque Flower, begins as a seed that, once sown in loose, well-drained soil, germinates to form a small rosette of hairy leaves. As the plant establishes, the leaves develop into a larger clump from which flowering stems emerge in early spring, bearing solitary, bell-shaped, purple flowers which later give way to ornamental seed heads with feathery styles. After flowering, the plant goes into a dormant stage during the summer heat, where it conserves energy. In autumn, the Pasque Flower resumes vegetative growth, rejuvenating its foliage to prepare for winter. Over winter, the foliage remains semi-evergreen, providing some greenery until the next spring when the cycle begins anew with new flowering stems. As a perennial, Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Eva Constance' repeats this cycle year after year, slowly spreading to form a denser clump through self-seeding or vegetative propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Eva Constance', commonly known as Pasque Flower, is by seed. Optimal seed propagation time is immediately after harvest in late spring or early summer when the seed is fresh. The seeds can be directly sown into well-drained soil in a cold frame or a sheltered outdoor seedbed. They require exposure to cold temperatures to break their dormancy, a process known as stratification. To achieve this naturally, sowing the seeds outdoors will allow the winter cold to stratify the seeds, which will germinate in the spring. If you need to hasten germination, you can artificially stratify by mixing the seeds with damp sand and storing them in a refrigerator (about 39 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 to 5 degrees Celsius) for several weeks before sowing. Once the seedlings have developed their first true set of leaves, they can be pricked out and grown on in individual pots until they are strong enough to be planted out into their final position.
