Edelweiss flower plant " Leontopodium"( No guarantee for shipping) available from May - September
Live Edelweiss flower plant, 3.5" pot, perennial, grows in the US in mostly sunny areas or partly shade, depending on the region
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Leontopodium Alpinum, commonly known as Edelweiss, is a herbaceous perennial native to the mountains of Europe. It is the traditional symbol of the Alps and unofficial national flower of Switzerland. The plant prefers rocky limestone places at about 1800–3000 m altitude, raised beds or alpine house and can adapt to climatic extremes. Edelweiss is cold hardy (at least -29 degrees Celsius).
Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) is a perennial flower and herb native to the Alps. Germany, Switzerland, and France observe it as a protected flower. Its iconic white wooly blossoms with yellow flowers centers are accompanied by felt textured leaves that are silvery-green in color.
The top of the plant will die in the winter when the crown below will stay alive to sprout in the spring. Edelweiss has a matt, grey-green foliage and white “Starfish shaped” felted bracts which can be up to 10cm (4in) across. The real flowers are tiny and pale yellow, tucked away in the centre of the shaggy daisy-like heads. They flower from the end of July to mid-August, during optimal weather conditions. The plant is drought-tolerant once established.
Leontopodium alpinum is generally short lived; 2-7 years.
Self seeding from the flowers will extend the life of the plant
Collection is now regulated or banned in many European countries due to its decline from its collection in the past. Grow in well-drained soil. The soil should be neutral to alkaline. Grow in a sheltered position in full sun.
Hardiness zone 4-7
Common in much European folklore, its medicinal properties are still being researched. Some cultures believe it contains anti-cancer properties, and the plants known biological activities are shared with other medicinal herbs such as Echinacea and Mugwort. Their shared flavonoid chemistry has effective uses for inflammation and gastrointestinal pain.
