Pulsatilla vulgaris Alba - Pasqueflower

The Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' is a beautiful white form of this small alpine perennial, formerly called Anemone pulsatilla. Elegant and very hardy, it is an adorable flower that only blooms in rocky areas. Its spring flowering is white with a yellow centre, composed of inclined star-shaped bells tilting towards the ground, giving way to a fluffy fruiting that is as unusual as it is decorative. Its stems, flowers, and finely cut foliage are covered with a soft silvery pubescence. This variety will bring a simple touch to your sunny or partially shaded rocky areas.

The Anemone pulsatilla, also known as the Easter pasqueflower or wind flower, belongs to the buttercup family. It is native to dry and limestone meadows in European mountains, where it grows up to 1000m (3281ft) in altitude. It is a charming perennial with a tuberous root that grows rapidly, forming a clump of about 30cm (12in) in all directions. It is particularly hairy: covered with remarkable silver hair that covers the leaves, stem, bud, and outer surface of the petals. The flower bud looks like a very hairy sheath, green-grey in colur. It blooms into a single flower, forming a bell 6cm (2in) wide, composed of 6 star-shaped petals, pure white in colour, arranged around a golden yellow heart resembling a small hedgehog with prickles. The flowers bloom from April to May at the top of the fluffy, silvery stems. After the flowers have bloomed, light green and finely cut foliage emerges from the root. After flowering, a fruiting appears in the form of silver-white plumes, resembling a small shiny wig that adds to the plant's interest.

The common pasqueflower 'Alba' has good hardiness (-20°C (-4°F)). It strongly prefers limestone soils and dislikes pesticides. Plant it in well-drained soil, in a raised bed, rock garden, or to border a staircase, in association with small grasses (stipa, fescues), hebes, sedums, or catmints. This flower only opens in the sun and closes at the slightest drop of rain, swaying in the wind like a little weather vane until the shower passes. It will appreciate a sunny exposure.