FIVE PRECIOUS PASQUE FLOWERS

1 P. VERNALIS

Commonly known as lady of the snows, this diminutive species, above, forms 4in-wide clumps of foliage topped by creamy-white flowers on 4in stalks.

2 P. VULGARIS ‘PAPAGENO’

Named after a character from The Magic Flute, its semidouble, frilly purple flowers are carried on 12in stems.

3 P. VULGARIS ‘BARTON’S PINK’

A beautiful and sought-after variety that delivers a succession of large, shell-pink blooms on 8in stems between March and May.

4 P. VULGARIS ‘PINWHEEL WHITE’

Developed in Holland, this floriferous variety boasts pure white, upward-facing flowers with contrasting yellow centres.

5 P. VULGARIS RUBRA

A lovely form with gently nodding, bell-shaped, wine-red flowers that are held 10in above clumps of finely divided leaves.