Three eager spring-flowering Pulsatillas chosen by plant hunter Lark Hanham
A member of the Ranunuculaceae family, the commonly known Meadow Anemone originates from mainland Europe and southern England, where it inhabits open, sunny meadows and coniferous woodlands. These gorgeous flowers once commonly featured in Mother’s Day bouquets as the flowering often coincides with this annual date. However, I have seen them pop up as early as mid-January, triumphantly appearing through melting snow. Perfect at the front of a semi-shaded border, they possess attractive similarities to both Meconopsis and Hellebores; their goblet-shaped, sumptuous blooms nod innocently in the spring garden. Height and spread 40cm.
vulgaris Pinwheel blue
Appearing in a myriad of shades – from violet to powder blue – above a rosette of lacy leaves, this variety flowers from March to April and is one of the more free-flowering varieties. Its large upright-facing blooms are followed by large fluffy seed heads, which are dispersed by the wind and make a fascinating silhouette.
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vulgaris rubra AGM
Its delicate downy foliage provides an interesting silver lustre to its deeply divided leaves. As they emerge, the tactile downy hairs pop off the opulent maroon-red blooms and provide extra contrast. Appearing in neat herbaceous clumps, it resents being moved after initial planting.
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vulgaris alba
Boasting large eye-catching blooms, this gorgeous flower has petals that are pinned with masses of fluffy egg-yolk yellow stamens. Alba is ideal for drawing the eye, but must be planted with lots of grit to ensure this timeless beauty thrives.
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How to buy
Lark’s eager spring-flowering Pulsatillas
- Buy one for £6.99, three for £13.98 or the mixof nine for only £36 (save £26.91). Plus p&p £4.95
- Supplied in 9cm pots in 14 days*
- Order at gardenshop.telegraph.co.uk/pulsa or call 0333 772 0325. Contract for supply of goods is with Hayloft Plants Ltd.
- *Offers subject to availability
Offer closing date is February 21, 2017
Plant of the week
Rheum x hybridum (Rhubarb) Timperley Early- AGM
Where
Enjoying a sunny location in deep, rich soil, rhubarbs are greedy plants and benefit from ample organic matter and regular feeds. The soil must also be well-drained.
How
As the name suggests, Timperley Early is great for forcing. This can be done with fit-for-purpose rhubarb forcer, or an old chimney pot with a lid on its top to stop any light exposure. Don’t harvest leaves in the first season after planting.
Works well with…
The best edible plant to go alongside Timperley Early is Pyrus Bambinella – a miniature pear that makes the most ravishing and unique winter crumble. Harvest Feb-May. Height 60cm and spread 1.1m.
How to buy
Buy it here first as it’s not yet available from garden centres
- Buy one bare root for £4.50 or five for only £11.25 (half price). Plus £4.95 p&p
- Supplied as bare root crowns in 21 days*
- Order at gardenshop.telegraph.co.ukor call 0333 772 0325. Contract for supply of goods is with Hayloft PlantsLtd.
- *Offers subject to availability
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