How to Grow Edelweiss in North America

Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinium), a plant whose silvery flowers are the floral emblem of Switzerland, is recognized worldwide, and its likeness is used on currency, for logos, on uniforms and costume, and as a subject in songs. This alpine herb is so loved, that Americans who have seen it growing in the wild might wish to have the chance to cultivate it at home.

While edelweiss is native to the Swiss Alps and other high mountains of central and southern Europe, as well as the Himalayas and other parts of Asia, cultivated varieties are available for purchase to enhance the home garden. While edelweiss can be grown from seed, this article focuses on easy tips to care for potted plants obtained from nurseries.

Edelweiss Grows Best in the Proper Climate

As a plant whose native soil is coarse and sandy, and which grows at several thousand feet above sea level where temperatures reach far below zero, it grows best in gardens located in temperate areas of the U.S., where there are cold winters, or at higher altitudes, like the Rocky Mountains. While no edelweiss variety can tolerate a lot of wetness and humidity, and the plant often grows too big at sea level, there are some simple things the gardener can do to ensure the plant’s survival.

Choose an Edelweiss Variety Suitable for Longevity

The most important note about growing any edelweiss at home is that it is strictly an outdoor plant. While Leontopodium alpinium is the ‚”real thing” when it comes to the famous ‚”noble white” flower of Europe, Himalayan edelweiss varieties are hardier. This means the plants will survive beyond the typical one to five years of the European variety, and they also tolerate heat better and bloom for a longer time. Examples of Himalayan varieties are Leontopodium Mt. Everest and Leontopodium jorachayi.

Alternatively, hybrids of the European form exist, such as Leontopodium Matterhorn from Germany, that offer the gardener the chance to have a plant closer to the ‚”real thing” but that will live longer, tolerate warmer temperatures, yet stay short, as intended.

Choose the Right Time to Plant Edelweiss

Since the flowers on edelweiss plants typically bloom from June through September, any plants designated for the garden can be purchased in early spring, or when the ground is no longer frozen, so they can get established before flowering. Similarly, mid-autumn in northern states is also an appropriate time to set plants in the ground, so they can overwinter and develop new growth in the spring.

Create the Right Environment in the Garden for Edelweiss

Whether the edelweiss is put in the ground or in a planter, make sure the soil is coarse or sandy, neutral to alkaline, and without fertilizer. Edelweiss likes full sun, especially in the high altitude, cooler areas. But if summers are hot in the gardener’s state, a northeast-facing location or other spot with partial shade is best, and if using a large pot, be sure it is terracotta to protect the roots from getting too warm.

It is best to let edelweiss overwinter in the same garden spot or planter. Even though the blooms die, do not trim them or any dead leaves, as they (as well as snow) will protect the crown of the plant from the changing weather conditions. In the spring, new growth will sprout from the crown of the plant, which is just below the soil. At this time the gardener may trim off any dead material to improve the plant’s appearance.

While it is clear that gardeners in more northerly parts of the U.S. or those in the higher elevations of more southern latitudes may have the most success adding edelweiss to the garden, plants are easy enough to obtain and affordable, so that any loss incurred while experimenting won’t be too great. Even if the variety that grows best in the gardener’s location is an Asian variety and not the “real thing” from the Swiss Alps, having any type of edelweiss to enjoy at home in the U.S. would be worth the effort.

Note: Edelweiss is a protected plant in many countries and should not be picked in the wild.

Sources:

• Bram, Leon L.; Norma H. Dickey and Robert S. Phillips, eds. ‚”Edelweiss,” Funk & Wagnall’s New Encyclopedia, Vol. 8. New York: Funk & Wagnall’s, Inc., 1979.
• Hendrix, Jane. ‚”Leontopodium alpinium-Edelweiss.”
• ‚”Specialties: Notes About Leontopodium”