Edelweiss plant

Edelweiss is a compact alpine perennial with narrow grey-green leaves and starry white, felted flower heads in late spring and early summer. It is best suited to a sunny, sharply drained rock garden, gravel bed or alpine trough. [RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9924/leontopodium-alpinum/details) ## Garden use The RHS describes a spreading, branched plant with yellowish flower heads surrounded by conspicuous white bracts. Its small scale suits edging, raised beds and containers, where the pale flowers and woolly foliage can be seen up close. The existing 6–12 inch height label falls within the RHS profile’s broader 0.1–0.5 metre height range; allow up to about 4 inches of spread according to its listed maximum. ## Growing conditions Choose full sun and a sheltered position with well-drained chalky, loamy or sandy soil. Edelweiss is adapted to alpine conditions and is vulnerable to winter wet, so avoid heavy soil and standing water. The RHS lists UK hardiness H6; that rating is not a USDA zone and should not be converted directly. ## Maintenance No routine pruning is required. Remove damaged foliage and spent flower stems if desired, and keep the crown free of wet debris through winter. Sow seed for propagation, or divide established clumps carefully when conditions are favorable.