European Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla vulgaris
European Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8–12 in tall and 8–12 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. One of the earliest spring bloomers; furry buds open to purple cups; silky seedheads follow.
On the CSU listlow to medium water8–12 in tall and 8–12 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Terry Instone, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: Per A.J. Andersson, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 4: (c) Marianne Hoffmann, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 5: (c) Marianne Hoffmann, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 6: W. Bulach, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 8–12 in tall and 8–12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Bloom color
- purple
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is European Pasque Flower good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, European Pasque Flower is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does European Pasque Flower get?
- It matures to about 8–12 in tall and 8–12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant European Pasque Flower?
- Space European Pasque Flower about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is European Pasque Flower hardy on the Front Range?
- European Pasque Flower is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does European Pasque Flower need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is European Pasque Flower native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is European Pasque Flower deer-resistant?
- European Pasque Flower is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is European Pasque Flower a good firewise plant near the house?
- European Pasque Flower is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does European Pasque Flower bloom?
- European Pasque Flower blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
