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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous PerennialSynonym

Leontopodium alpinum

edelweiss

A perennial to 20cm in height, with narrow, grey-green leaves and starry white-felted flowering heads in late spring and early summer

Other common names
alpine snow flower
lady's mantle
Synonyms
Leontopodium alpinum
Gnaphalium leontopodium
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow White Green Grey Silver
Summer Yellow White Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Leontopodium are herbaceous perennials with simple leaves and terminal clusters of small yellowish flower-heads surrounded by showy, white-felted leaf-like bracts

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SE & SC Europe (Mts)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Suitable for rock garden, raised bed, or alpine house. Protect from winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Garden edging
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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