Pulsatilla 'Alba'

Pulsatilla vulgaris 'Alba': Woodland Windflower in Pure White

Delicate yet resilient, Pulsatilla 'Alba' brings a graceful note to early spring with silky, nodding white blooms that rise on softly hairy stems above finely cut, fern-like foliage. These elegant blooms are followed by feathery, silver seedheads that add ornamental interest well into summer. A member of the pasque flower family, this cultivar thrives in sun-dappled to lightly shaded spaces with excellent drainage, offering charm and seasonal texture in rock gardens, woodland edges, and naturalistic borders.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–30 cm
• Spread: 25–30 cm
• Flower Colour: Pure white with yellow stamens
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-spring
• Foliage: Finely divided, soft green, fuzzy texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately rich to sandy soil

Uses and Benefits: 'Alba' is ideal for early colour and long-lasting texture in alpine gardens, rockeries, or open woodland settings. Its softly nodding blooms and ornamental seedheads offer multi-season appeal, while the finely textured foliage provides gentle structure without overwhelming nearby plants. A favourite among early bees and loved for its resilience and refined form.

Companion Plants: Pair with the glossy, dark-toned foliage of Ajuga 'Black Scallop', the arching, variegated leaves of Carex 'Ice Dance', and the golden-bronze new growth of Dryopteris 'Golden Scaled Fern' for a richly layered, part-shade combination full of textural interest and early spring contrast.

Care Instructions: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun or light shade. Avoid heavy, wet soils, especially in winter. Water moderately during dry spells and deadhead if self-seeding is not desired. Leave seedheads for ornamental value or cut back after bloom for a tidier appearance. Pulsatilla resents disturbance once established—plant thoughtfully and allow to settle.

History: Native to European meadows and chalky hillsides, Pulsatilla vulgaris has long been admired for its early bloom and distinctive silky textures. 'Alba' brings a refined, luminous variation to this beloved species.

Final Thoughts: Ethereal and enduring, Pulsatilla 'Alba' is a quiet standout of the spring garden—offering pristine bloom, delicate movement, and graceful transition from flower to seed in one beautifully compact plant.