Leontopodium alpinum ‘Edelweiss’ – A Symbol of Alpine Purity and Timeless Elegance
Leontopodium alpinum ‘Edelweiss’, known simply as Edelweiss, is an iconic alpine perennial cherished for its velvety white, star-shaped flowers and compact, silvery foliage. Native to high mountain regions of Europe, Edelweiss has long been associated with purity, resilience, and natural beauty, making it a treasured addition to rock gardens, gravel borders, and alpine displays. Its unique texture and form bring a touch of romantic, mountainous charm to any landscape.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
Compact tufts of silvery-green, felted foliage emerge, forming a neat and tidy mound at the base.
Summer:
From early to mid-summer, clusters of woolly white flowers appear, shaped like stars with a soft, suede-like texture. These blooms sit above the foliage on short stems, creating a distinct and enchanting look.
Autumn:
As the flowering fades, the foliage retains its tidy form and silver hue, providing subtle interest as the garden winds down.
Winter:
In cold climates, Edelweiss may go dormant or die back to a rosette. Good drainage is essential through the winter months to prevent rot.
Structure & Form
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Height: 15–20 cm
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Spread: 20–30 cm
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Habit: Compact, clumping, and low-growing
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Foliage: Lance-shaped, grey-green to silvery leaves with a soft, woolly texture
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Flowers: Star-like white blooms with yellow centres; velvety and long-lasting
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Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
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Lifespan: Perennial; often short-lived but may self-seed in ideal conditions
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Rock Gardens & Alpine Beds: A classic alpine choice, thriving in rocky, well-drained soils.
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Gravel Borders: Adds contrast and structure to gravel or scree gardens.
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Containers & Troughs: Excellent in alpine containers where its form and texture can be appreciated up close.
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Wildlife-Friendly Gardens: While not a top nectar source, Edelweiss still offers habitat value and visual appeal in naturalistic settings.
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Symbolic & Heritage Gardens: Ideal for themed or cultural planting schemes referencing its alpine heritage.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Full sun is essential; prefers an open, airy location.
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Soil: Well-drained, gritty, or sandy soil; thrives in poor, alkaline to neutral soils.
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Watering: Low – drought-tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging at all costs.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy (RHS H5), tolerating cold winters with proper drainage.
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Maintenance: Minimal – deadhead spent flowers if desired. Avoid overly rich soils, which can shorten lifespan. Divide clumps in spring if needed.
Why Choose Leontopodium ‘Edelweiss’?
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Iconic Star-Shaped Blooms: Unique white flowers with a soft, felted texture rarely seen in other plants.
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Alpine Heritage: A beloved mountain plant with cultural significance and old-world charm.
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Silvery Foliage: Decorative leaves provide year-round texture and colour.
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Compact & Tidy: Perfect for small spaces, rockeries, and containers.
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Drought & Cold Hardy: Thrives in harsh conditions where few others flourish.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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With Sempervivum & Saxifraga: Combine with other alpine stars for a rugged yet refined rockery.
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With Lavender or Thymus: Add low-growing herbs for contrast in colour, scent, and foliage.
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With Grasses: Pair with dwarf ornamental grasses like Festuca glauca for fine texture and colour harmony.
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With Dianthus or Armeria: Complement the silver tones with soft pink blooms and tufted forms.
Leontopodium alpinum ‘Edelweiss’ is a small but mighty perennial that offers a piece of alpine elegance and poetic symbolism to the garden. Its starry white flowers and neat silvery form make it a quiet showstopper, ideal for those seeking a refined and resilient plant with a story behind its beauty.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
