Pulsatilla halleri aka Anemone Halleri

Pulsatilla halleri is a small perennial in the buttercup family. Gardeners know it as Haller's pasque flower or alpine pasque flower. It also has the name Anemone halleri. Its native range includes the Alps, Carpathians, northern Balkans, and Crimea. Missouri Botanical Garden also lists the Caucasus within its range. It grows in mountain meadows, on slopes, and on grassy hills. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant forms a low clump and loses its leaves seasonally. Garden plants reach about 0.7–1 foot (0.2–0.3 m) tall. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a spread of about 1 foot (0.3 m). RHS lists broader height and spread ranges, reaching 1.6 feet (0.5 m). Long, soft hairs cover both the leaves and stems. The pinnate leaves grow from the base of the plant. Each leaf has three to five deeply cut leaflets. Their narrow lobes give the foliage a fine texture. A long stalk supports the leaflet at each leaf's tip.

Flowers open from April to May as the leaves unfold. Each flower stands alone on an upright, leafless stalk. The blooms have a shallow bell shape and face upward. Their shades range from lavender-blue to violet-purple. Reported flower widths range from 0.2–0.3 feet (0.06–0.09 m). Soft, silky seedheads follow the flowers and extend the display. Leave the spent flowers in place to keep these heads.

Grow this plant in fertile soil that drains very well. Humus and grit suit its growing needs. Full sun suits it, though Missouri Botanical Garden allows light shade. RHS lists acid or neutral soil as suitable. It grows best where summers stay mild and humidity stays low. In hot summers, it needs a steady supply of moisture. Plants may live only briefly south of USDA zone 7. Listed hardiness ratings are USDA zones 5–7 and RHS H5. Roots dislike disturbance, and young plants may be hard to establish. Plant small specimens and leave settled clumps in place.

Use it in rock gardens, gravel beds, or border fronts. It also suits meadow plantings, alpine slopes, and pots. Both flowers and seedheads provide garden interest. Sources report few serious pest or disease problems. Missouri Botanical Garden also lists resistance to rabbits. Grow new plants from fresh seed or winter root cuttings. Ingestion can cause a mild stomach upset. RHS advises gloves when handling it, followed by hand washing.