In the world of gardening, we often focus on the fleeting glory of flowers with their vibrant colours and sweet fragrances that mark the peak of a plant's ornamental appeal.

But there's a quieter, more enduring beauty that emerges after the petals fall—one that extends the garden's visual interest well beyond the traditional growing season.

The seed heads of xeric plants offer architectural interest, providing structure, texture, and movement that can transform a fading landscape from dormant to dynamic.

Among the most spectacular examples is Pulsatilla, commonly known as pasque flower or prairie crocus.

After its silky, bell-shaped blooms fade in early spring, this hardy perennial produces seed heads that are nothing short of magical. Each seed develops a long, feathery plume that catches light and moves with the slightest breeze, creating an ethereal display that can last for months.

These silvery, gossamer structures rise above the plant's finely divided foliage like wisps of smoke.

In late afternoon light, a patch of Pulsatilla seed heads becomes luminous, transforming an ordinary garden corner into something special.

The ornamental value of these seed heads extends beyond their immediate beauty. They provide crucial interest during the lean dormant months when many gardens lack structure.

While other perennials retreat underground or become mere stubble or sticks, Pulsatilla's........

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