Pulsatilla styriaca

Description

An absolutely gorgeous Pulsatilla with large, lilac flowers which appear before the foliage in very early spring. The first one to flower in this region, so no worry about cross pollination.

The taxonomy in P. halleri s.l. group where this species belongs, is complicated and up to debate. The characters fit according with Flora Europaea (P. grandis can be excluded on the account of glabrous basal leaves) and the mother plant of these seeds was grown as such but keep in mind that it is a garden cultivated plant.

Those interested can read whole descriptions with comparisons between P. slavica, halleri and so on:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288982044_Pulsatilla_styriaca_Ranunculaceae_is_a_new_species_for_the_Bulgarian_flora_and_conspecific_with_P_subslavica

Germination: best when the seeds are sown very fresh in the summer, covered only with a very thin layer of grit/vermiculite; light is required for germination. Because of the thin cover layer, the sowings are prone to dessication before the seeds germinate. To prevent this, enclose the pot in a large plastic bag until you notice signs of germination, then open the bag gradually; you can also gently add a bit more sowing mix on top.