1 named cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Leontopodium alpinum, edelweiss, is a loosely tufted woolly perennial from the rocky limestone alpine zones of Europe, growing six to twelve inches high and rather less across. Everything about it is felted grey-white, and what reads as the flower is a star of woolly white bracts surrounding small yellow flower heads, opening from July to September.
It is a genuinely alpine plant and fails in exactly the conditions most gardens offer: heat, humidity and moisture-retentive soil, where crown rot finishes it within a season or two. Grow it in gritty, alkaline, sharply drained soil in a raised bed or trough, and treat it as short-lived rather than a permanent fixture.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
10 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Perennial, often short-lived
Native To
Alpine southern Europe
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in spring in full sun.
- Choose sandy to gritty, neutral to alkaline, sharply drained soil.
- Use a raised bed, trough or scree rather than open border soil.
- Water sparingly; it will not tolerate wet feet.
- Keep the crown clear of mulch and surrounding foliage.
- Raise replacements from seed, as plants are short-lived.
Pro Tip
The woolly coating is an alpine adaptation to intense light and thin air; in humid heat it traps moisture and invites rot instead.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Give it gritty, alkaline, sharply drained soil 🪨
- Plant it in full sun in a cool-summer garden ☀️
- Keep the crown dry and clear ✂️
- Raise replacements from seed 🌱
Don't
- Plant it in moisture-retentive border soil ❌
- Expect it to thrive in hot humid summers ❌
- Mulch over the crown ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | ||||||||||||
| Tidy |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Edelweiss questions
What zones can Edelweiss grow in?
Edelweiss is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Edelweiss deer resistant?
Yes — Edelweiss is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Edelweiss bloom?
Edelweiss typically blooms in midsummer to early fall through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Edelweiss need full sun?
Edelweiss does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Edelweiss drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Edelweiss handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Edelweiss with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.