In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Leontopodium plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
An essential part of many gardens, Leontopodium is a hardy perennial that reaches about 30 cm (1 foot) in height.
It blooms from late spring through to summer, and carries white stellar shaped flowers.
Leontopodium alpinum - Edelweiss by Franco Folini.
The foliage is lance shaped and woolly in nature. Common names for Leontopodium include Edelweiss.
Leontopodium nivale Subspecies Alpinum, photograph by xulescu_g; CC.
Edelweiss Seedlings photograph by Laura Blanchard.
Alpen-Edelweiß photograph by xulescu_g.
Leontopodium microphyllum photograph by 石川 Shihchuan; CC.
Leontopodium discolor photograph by L. Alexeeva / Public Domain
Leontopodium japonicum photograph by yamatsu; CC.
If growing outdoors from seed then sow the Edelweiss seeds on the surface.
This should be done in the spring before the last frost.
Edelweiss prefers to grow in a partly shaded part of the rock garden, in a gritty loose soil that is close to neutral acidity (pH 6.5 to 7.5).
If you plan to first grow Edelweiss indoors, then the process should start about two months before they are due to be transplanted into the garden (following the last frost of spring).
The Edelweiss plant seeds should initially be imbibed by placing the seeds (within soil) in a black plastic bag, then putting them in the fridge for three weeks.
Seeds should then be sown out at a temperature of 12 Celsius (54°F). Edelweiss plants will normally take about two to six weeks to germinate.
Once established they should be spaced out at from 10 cm (4 inches) apart for small Leontopodium species, to 30 cm (12 inches) apart for larger Leontopodium varieties.
Edelweiss by nordique.
Leontopodium Care: Edelweiss like to grow in the snow, and thus take a little looking after in areas that do not receive snow.
If this is the case, you should surround the Edelweiss plant with a mulch in the winter to simulate the snow experience. This mulch should be removed at the start of spring.
If you live in a snowy area, then leave Edelweiss be in the winter, but protect it from heavy rainfalls in both circumstances.
Further plants can be propagated by division. This should be done every couple of years due to the short life span of Edelweiss.
The Leontopodium genus consists of around 30 species.
Yes, Leontopodium species make great garden plants. With their distinctive star-shaped flowers, they add an unique element to alpine gardens or rockeries.
Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss) is the most popular species. It's beloved for its distinctive star-shaped flowers and cultural significance.
Leontopodium flowers are not particularly known for their fragrance, but are admired for their unique and striking appearance.
Leontopodium plants prefer full sun and well-drained, gritty soil. They are ideally suited to alpine gardens or rockeries.
Currently, Leontopodium species are not considered invasive in the USA.
To remove Leontopodium, dig up the entire plant, ensuring all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.
The Leontopodium genus is a member of the Asteraceae family. They are perennial plants native to Asia and Europe. Easily recognized by their unique, star-shaped flowers. They make ideal plants for use in rock gardens and borders. They are commonly known as Edelweiss.
Leontopodium plants enjoy full sun, and a well-drained, sandy soil. Edelweiss is drought-tolerant once established. Propagation is typically done through seeds or division. Do this in the spring or fall.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Leontopodium plants. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Alpine Snowbell, Starflower, Rosa rugosa, and Douglasia plants.