Duo of Pasqueflowers

This pair of Pulsatilla anemones, Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' and 'Papageno', enhances the rocky areas of the garden with exceptional spring flowering. While the 'Alba' form is adorned with pure white flowers, the 'Papageno' variety stands out with its semi-double flowers with fringed petals of varying colours. After flowering, a silver-white plume-like fruiting appears, resembling a small shiny wig that will enhance and prolong the interest of the plants. These small montane perennials have a downy foliage that gives them a soft and textured appearance. It is not evergreen in winter. They can withstand temperatures as low as -23 °C.

The pair consists of:

1 x Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba': this variety is known for its pure white flowers that pleasantly contrast with its downy green foliage. Reaching 20 to 30 cm in height, it usually blooms between March and April.

1 x Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Papageno': its fringed petals come in shades of pink, white, dark violet, and burgundy, depending on the plants. It is more compact and reaches a height of 15 to 20 cm and blooms a little later, often in May.

These varieties of pasqueflower thrive in well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. 'Alba', being slightly taller, would be ideal in a raised bed or rockery background, while 'Papageno' can be placed in the front for maximum visual impact. Plant 7 to 9 per square metre for a dense display and maintain a 30 to 40 cm distance between each plant.

Pasqueflower pairs well with other spring perennials that appreciate rocky soil. You could combine the plants in this duo with Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue' for its blue flowers that appear throughout the season. The Doronicum orientale 'Little Leo' would also be an exciting choice for its yellow flowers that will brighten up the scene in spring—lastly, the Aubrieta 'Dr. With its variegated foliage and purple flowers, 'Mules Variegatata' shares the same soil and exposure conditions while providing a contrasting texture.