How big does Pasque flower grow?

About 25 cm × 30 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 20–30 cm × 20–30 cm.

What soil does Pasque flower grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Pasque flower hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Pasque flower flower?

Flowering: March–May, purple, white.

How much water does Pasque flower need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Pasque flower cost?

It sells for roughly €4.30 to €8.70 in local shops, depending on size.

Pasque flower

Pulsatilla vulgaris

Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) is a perennial that reaches 25 cm × 30 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €4.30.

Illustration of Pasque flower — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Pasque flower opens its silky-haired, bell-shaped purple flowers in early spring, almost before the leaves, and follows them with feathery, rounded seed heads that stay decorative for weeks. It belongs in rock gardens, gravel beds and the sunny front of a border, in loose, sharply drained soil, and it is happy on lime. Plant it young in its final place, because its deep taproot resents disturbance, and remember that all parts are poisonous when fresh.

Watch out for

It resents transplanting and disturbance, and larger plants often fail to re-establish, so do not divide or move it. In heavy soil that stays wet in winter the crown rots, so good drainage is essential. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it needs occasional watering. Slugs may eat the flowers.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 25 cm × 30 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–May, purple, white

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	25 cm × 30 cm
Ultimate size	20–30 cm × 20–30 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–May, purple, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	25 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €4.30

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.30 – €8.70

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials

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