Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)
Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris), Hardy, spring-flowering, herbaceous perennial Description: Bears striking deep royal purple to pale purple or rarely white flowers followed by silvery plumed seed-heads in early summer Habit: Grows to 12 inches high and wide, forming a mound of soft, velvety foliage Culture: Prefers full sun to partial shade and humus-rich, moist but well-drained garden loam Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 through 8 Origin: Europe Attributes: Ornamental seedheads Jefferson Documented This delicate perennial is native to Great Britain, western France to the Ukraine, and was brought into American gardens during the 17th century. In 1771 Thomas Jefferson included Pasque Flower as a desirable plant in his plans for "The Open Ground on the West - a shrubbery" at Monticello. On April 8, 1811 he planted "Anemone pulsatilla. belle plante vivace." in a southwest oval flower bed near the west portico of Monticello. Jefferson likely received seed from Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon, who listed Anemone pulsatilla as early as 1805.Arrives in a 2.5" pot.