Leontopodium alpinum - Edelweiss in pot

Leontopodium alpinum , also known as the alpine elecampane or alpine star , is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family, emblematic of the mountainous areas of Europe, especially the Alps, the Carpathians and the Pyrenees. This compact and hardy plant is appreciated for its unique, star-shaped flowers and for its symbolism, representing purity and courage. It is ideal for rock gardens, borders, pots or as an ornamental plant in alpine landscapes, due to its velvety texture and delicate appearance.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are linear to lanceolate, 2-5 cm long, arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant and alternate on the stems. They are silver-green in color, covered with a whitish, velvety down, which gives them a soft texture and protects them from cold and UV radiation.
• Flowers : The flowers are grouped in capitulum-like inflorescences, 1-2 cm in diameter, surrounded by white, woolly, star-shaped bracts , 2-5 cm long. These bracts, often mistaken for petals, are pure creamy white and give the plant its iconic appearance. The center of the flower is formed by small, yellow flowers. Flowering occurs from June to August , depending on altitude and climate.
• Fruits : Produces small, dry achenes with a white pappus, which facilitates wind dispersal. The fruits have no ornamental value.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : Grows up to 20-30 cm tall, forming compact, carpeting bushes with dense rosettes.
• Vigor : Slow growing, forming small mats that gradually expand through rhizomes. It is adapted to extreme conditions, such as poor soils and low temperatures.
• Type : Perennial, evergreen or semi-evergreen plant, with persistent foliage in mild climates.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun for optimal flowering, but tolerates partial shade in hot climates. In dense shade, flowering is reduced.
• Soil : Grows in well-drained, poor, sandy or stony soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). Calcareous soils are ideal, but will also tolerate acidic soils if drainage is excellent. Does not survive in wet or clayey soils.
• Watering : Water moderately, keeping the soil slightly moist for the first year. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires infrequent watering, only during extremely dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which causes root rot.
• Temperature : Hardy in zones 2-7 (down to -34°C), perfectly adapted to mountainous and temperate climates. It tolerates Romanian winters well, without additional protection.

Care and resistance

• Hardiness : Extremely resistant to cold, drought and poor soils. Not affected by major pests, but may suffer from slugs in wet conditions. Tolerates wind and exposure to high altitudes, being resistant to deer and rabbits.
• Fertilization : Does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a weak, slow-release fertilizer in spring if the soil is very poor. Excess nutrients reduce flowering.
• Pruning : Remove faded flowers after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance. It does not require extensive pruning, but the bushes can be divided every 2-3 years for rejuvenation.
• Propagation : Propagate by seeds sown in spring (with cold stratification) or by dividing the bush in spring. Division is faster and more effective.
• Pests and Diseases : Rarely affected, but susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Inspect for slugs and use organic traps if necessary.

The Alpine Meadow Flower Leontopodium alpinum is ideal for rock gardens, alpine borders, pots or as an accent plant in mountain landscapes. Its delicate appearance, with white bracts and velvety foliage, adds texture and contrast, combining well with other alpine plants, such as sedum, saxifraga or campanula. It can be used in dried flower arrangements due to its persistent inflorescences. They attract pollinators, contributing to biodiversity. In temperate gardens, it is an excellent choice to recreate an authentic alpine look.

Origin

Native to the mountainous regions of Europe (Alps, Carpathians, Pyrenees, Balkans), Leontopodium alpinum grows naturally at altitudes of 1,800-3,000 m, on limestone cliffs and alpine meadows. It is a protected species in many countries, including Romania, due to past overharvesting. In horticulture, it is grown from seeds or clones to prevent impact on wild populations.

Height with pot included: approx. 40 cm
Pot diameter: 15 cm