prairie smoke

This beautiful plant, also called Pasqueflower, is a native plant on the Canadian prairies.  It blooms early and gloriously, with large nodding purple petals and bright yellow centres.  The leaves and stems are very hairy and catch the light, and the whole effect is quite magical.

Last year (above pic) I was excited to see it produce two flowers.  Then my husband flipped over the garbage bin lid onto this raised bed, and crushed the plant flat.  Needless to say, I was a bit put out.  And moved the garbage bin.  But I guess the plant likes abuse, because it's even more glorious this year, with 10 flowers open and on their way.

Growing tips

• The pasque flower grows well in full sun or partial shade in raised beds, on hillsides, in rock gardens or in sunny borders. It’s happiest in fertile, slightly dry soil supplemented with peat moss or compost. 
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• Soil should be well drained.  Waterlogged soil at any time of year will kill it.
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• Sow fresh seeds (available from growers specializing in native plants and seeds) outdoors in late fall. Plant 10 centimetres deep and 30 to 40 centimetres apart. Plants may not bloom until the second year.
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• To propagate, take root cuttings every three to five years in early spring. Dig to expose a root—be careful to minimize damage—then remove and replant it.

After the petals fade, it produces some funky seed heads that persist a long time.