White Pasque Flower Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba'
ABOUT
The Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba', commonly known as the White Pasque Flower, is a perennial plant that boasts an elegant, eye-catching appearance. This cultivar is characterized by its pure white flowers that showcase a bell-shaped form when closed and open up into a star-like pattern. Each flower is composed of numerous velvety, petal-like sepals radiating around a core of golden-yellow stamens, giving it a striking contrast. The foliage of the White Pasque Flower is feathery and fern-like, providing a soft green backdrop that complements the delicate flowers. Silky hairs cover both the leaves and the stems, adding to the plant's overall soft and downy texture. After the flowering season, the plant produces equally ornamental, fluffy seed heads that resemble tufts of silvery cotton, which persist and provide interest in the garden even after the blooms have faded. Overall, the White Pasque Flower exudes an ethereal charm, with its combination of white blossoms, golden centers, and feathery foliage, creating a serene and captivating display in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
White Pasque Flower, White Pasqueflower, European Pasqueflower, European Anemone, White Anemone, White Windflower.
Common names
Anemone pulsatilla var. alba, Anemone pulsatilla 'Alba', Pulsatilla vulgaris var. alba, Anemone vulgaris 'Alba'.
ToxicityTo humans
Pasque flower, which is the most common name for Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba', contains toxic compounds that can be harmful to humans if any part of the plant is ingested. The entire plant, including the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, contains ranunculin, which is converted into the toxin protoanemonin when the plant's tissues are crushed or chewed. This toxin can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. If ingested, it can lead to symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and in severe cases, convulsions, hypotension, and respiratory difficulties may occur. Handling the plant without gloves can also lead to skin irritation or dermatitis. Consumption of large quantities can be dangerous and medical attention should be sought in the case of suspected poisoning.
To pets
Pasque flower, or Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba', is toxic to pets due to the presence of the compound protoanemonin, which is released when the plant's tissues are broken. If a pet ingests any part of the pasque flower, it may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, seizures, or even respiratory difficulties. The toxin can also cause skin and mucous membrane irritation upon contact. Consequently, ingestion of this plant can lead to serious health issues and should be treated promptly by a veterinarian. Pet owners should keep their animals away from the pasque flower to prevent accidental poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
8 inches (20 cm)
Spread
8 inches (20 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba', commonly known as Pasque Flower, has attractive white flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, these plants are relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care and watering.
- Drought Resistance: The Pasque Flower is well-suited to dry conditions and can thrive in areas where water conservation is important.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide a source of nectar for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Native Plant Gardening: It can be used in native plant gardens to promote local flora and maintain regional biodiversity.
- Spring Interest: Blooming in early spring, Pasque Flower provides color and interest in the garden after a long winter.
- Ground Cover: Its foliage and growth habit can offer effective ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Indicates Soil Health: The presence of Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' can indicate well-draining soil, useful for gardeners assessing their soil conditions.
- Cultural Significance: The Pasque Flower carries historical and cultural significance in certain regions, being associated with Easter due to its flowering time.
Medical Properties- Antispasmodic - Pulsatilla has been traditionally used to help relax muscle spasms.
- Sedative - The plant is sometimes used for its mild sedative effects, which may help alleviate sleeplessness.
- Anxiolytic - Pulsatilla is employed in herbal medicine practices to reduce symptoms of anxiety.
- Analgesic - There are uses of Pulsatilla for its pain-relieving properties.
- Anti-inflammatory - The extract has been applied to reduce inflammation.
- Emmenagogue - Historically, Pulsatilla is used to stimulate menstruation in cases of amenorrhea.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Passiflora has been used in perfumes due to its sweet and appealing fragrance. Extracts of the flower can be incorporated into candle making for aromatic purposes.
- The tendrils of Passiflora can be utilized in floral arrangements, adding a unique and delicate touch to bouquets and centerpieces.
- In some cultures, Passiflora vines are used for basket weaving, taking advantage of the plant's long and flexible tendrils.
- The plant may be grown for educational purposes, such as in schools or botanical gardens, to teach about pollination and plant biology.
- Dried Passiflora flowers can be used in potpourri mixes, contributing a light, pleasant scent along with a hint of natural color.
- Some artists use the unique and intricate structure of Passiflora flowers as inspiration for jewelry designs, often in intricate metalwork.
- Passiflora can be utilized as a natural dye, where the petals and leaves impart a range of colors to fabrics and other materials.
- In certain traditions, Passiflora is used as a symbol in ceremonies and rituals, representing passion, spirituality, or peace.
- The plant's fast-growing vines may also be used as a natural screen or privacy barrier in gardens and patios.
- Garden hobbyists might cultivate Passiflora as a challenging bonsai project, training the vine to grow in miniature form.
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 'Alba', commonly known as Pasqueflower, often symbolizes humility due to its downy coating and nodding posture when the flowers first bloom, seemingly bowing to the earth.
- Anticipation: The Pasqueflower is a herald of spring, often associated with Easter (hence the name 'Pasque', derived from 'Paschal', of Easter), suggesting the symbolic meaning of anticipation and the welcoming of new beginnings.
- Patience: The Pasqueflower, as a perennial, emerges year after year, embodying the trait of patience in its cyclic growth and perennial nature, reminding us of the patience required through the dormant winter months before spring's arrival.
- Solitude: Pasqueflower grows in isolated clumps and often in sparse, uncultivated landscapes, reflecting the notion of solitude or contemplative loneliness in its growth habit.
- Attraction and beauty: Its striking white flowers represent attraction and beauty, signifying the allure and elegance that nature bestows in its purest forms.
WaterThe Pasque Flower should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural environment, preferring a dry to medium moisture level in the soil. Established plants are quite drought-tolerant and typically require watering once every week or two, depending on the climate and soil conditions. When watering, aim for about one inch of water, which might translate to approximately 0.5 gallons per square foot, focusing on the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightThe Pasque Flower thrives in full sun to partial shade, but it blooms best when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. It will perform well in a spot that gets plenty of morning light and some afternoon shade, particularly in hot climates, as this can help protect it from the intensity of the midday sun.
TemperatureThe Pasque Flower is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about -30°F, making it suitable for many temperate climates. It can survive up to a maximum temperature of around 100°F. Ideal growing temperatures for this plant fall between 60°F and 75°F during the growing season.
PruningPruning of the Pasque Flower is generally for aesthetic purposes and involves deadheading spent blooms to encourage more flowering and to maintain the plant's shape. Light pruning can be done after flowering to remove dead flowers. As for the foliage, it's best left intact as it adds interest to the garden after blooming and throughout the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the White Pasque Flower, use a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A blend of equal parts loam, sand, and gritty material like perlite or fine gravel works best to mimic its natural alpine habitat.
RepottingThe White Pasque Flower rarely needs repotting and prefers to remain undisturbed. Repot only if the plant outgrows its container or every 3-5 years conservatively to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingThe White Pasque Flower thrives best in low to moderate humidity levels, typical of temperate climates. It does not require high humidity and can withstand dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba', commonly known as the white Pasque flower, starts its life as a seed, which germinates in spring, preferring well-drained soil and a sunny spot. Following germination, the plant develops a deep taproot and a rosette of finely dissected leaves that are covered with silvery hairs. After the vegetative stage, it enters the flowering stage, typically in early spring, producing bell-shaped, white flowers atop furry stems. Post-pollination, the flowers give way to distinctive, plume-like seed heads that persist into summer. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during hot summer months, with the foliage dying back. The cycle resumes the following spring with new foliage emerging from the perennial rootstock, leading to new flower production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba', commonly known as the White Pasque Flower, is best propagated by seed. The optimal time to sow seeds is during fall, as this aligns with their natural cycle and allows for a period of cold stratification, which is required to break the seed's dormancy. The seeds should be sown in a cold frame or a sheltered outdoor area immediately after collection. They will typically germinate in the following spring. It's important to not bury the seeds too deeply; instead, just lightly cover them with soil. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, usually by the next fall, they can be transplanted to their final positions in the garden. Care should be taken as Pulsatilla has a deep taproot and does not like to be disturbed once established.
