Pulsatilla vulgaris Alba

Unusual and eye-catching, Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' boasts clear white, goblet-shaped flowers with bright, golden yellow centres and a velvety appeal. The blooms nod on the breeze when they first open, facing upwards to greet the sun. Each blossom opens from clusters of fascinating furry buds through March to May, with rosettes of long, silvery-grey, furry foliage retained from February to November. Distinctive, silky seedheads follow the flowers and are excellent cut for flower arrangements, often staying on the plant for several months. Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba' is actually a herb and commonly known as the Pasque flower. It is named after the old French word pasque, or Easter, due to the time it flowers. Once seen growing wild on grasslands in the UK, these are now rare due to habitat changes. Plants are happy in borders or containers as long as they have moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Hardy perennials which reach a height and spread of 30cm and need no winter protection throughout most of the UK.