When the snow is mostly melted, and the earth first warms, pasque flowers go from a nose out of the ground to frothy, pastel bouquets in mere moments. These are the first perennials to bloom in my garden – often around Easter as eluded by the name ‘pasque’. The common pasque flower is a vivid blue-purple with sunny yellow center, the classic Easter colours, but you can also find white, maroon, and pink versions. The lacey, intricate leaves grow in clumps, with downy stems reaching to the spring sunshine. Pasque flowers are also reputed for their long lasting, quirky, fluffy seed heads that extend their seasonal interest past early spring. They do self-seed, but in a pleasant naturalizing way. They are also called ‘prairie crocuses’, and are the provincial flower for Manitoba. Hoping to see these in the next few weeks!?
Technical stuff – Pasque flower/pulsatilla, hardy perennial to zone 4, about 6”-12” in height and spread, blooms in early spring, full sun to part shade and prefers fertile soil with good drainage, not fond of being transplanted.