Also known as Pasque Flower · 81 gardener saves
Pulsatilla: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Pulsatilla, the genus most gardeners know as pasque flower. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Pulsatilla varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedPasque Flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Rubra'
#2 most savedCommon Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris
#3 most savedRed Bells Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Red Bells'
How to grow Pulsatilla
What the Pulsatilla varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Pulsatilla year
- PlantMarch, April, September and October100% of varieties
Plant in well-drained soil. Avoid transplanting once established.
- Spring CleanupFebruary67% of varieties
Gently clear away winter debris from around the crown in late winter.
Do
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering and growth
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots when dividing
- Never use heavy clay soil without amendments
What goes wrong with Pulsatilla
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Holes in leaves, slime trails | Handpick or set slug traps |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply sulfur fungicide or organic neem oil |
Making more Pulsatilla
Seed
- Sow seeds outdoors in fall for natural stratification.
- Keep soil moist and in full sun.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks, typically in spring.
Division
- Divide mature plants in early spring or fall.
- Carefully dig up clumps and separate with a sharp knife.
- Replant divisions immediately at same depth.
Pulsatilla questions
How many types of Pulsatilla are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Pulsatilla varieties. The most popular — ranked by 81 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Pulsatilla grow in?
Across its varieties, Pulsatilla covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pulsatilla bloom?
Most Pulsatilla varieties bloom in early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pulsatilla should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Pulsatilla shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Pulsatilla in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
