Everest

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Leontopodium

Species

alpinum

Description

Commonly called edelweiss, it is a low-growing herbaceous perennial with a globular habit; the narrow leaves are grey-green, colour-balanced with the yellowish-white flower heads surrounded by white, woolly bracts that appear from late spring until late summer. It grows best in cool summer climates and in well-drained soils free of waterlogging.

Variety description

It is a fascinating plant because of its starry flower, typical of mountainous areas. It does not have very showy vegetation.

Curiosities and special features

It is the symbolic flower of the Alps and the mountain environment in general, where it has been designated a protected species. The generic epithet, Leontopodium, derives from the Greek and means lion's foot in reference to the shape of the flower heads similar to a feline's paws; the specific term, on the other hand, derives from the plant's natural habitat, as does its common name, edelweiss. An extract with antioxidant properties is obtained from the flowers and used to produce creams and soaps.

Origin and distribution

Various studies have shown that the wild form, symbol of the characteristic Alpine flower, is native, like other species belonging to the genus Leontopodium, to the arid mountainous areas of the desert plateaus of Central Asia, as would be shown by the dense down covering the plant used to limit water loss through transpiration and as protection from UV rays; it later spread to Europe, where it now grows wild up to about 3,000 m above sea level in the Italian, French, Swiss, Austrian and Slovenian Alps. It is a protected Alpine plant but is also a cultivated species in specialised nurseries.

Flower size

The flower is singularly small, lending elegance and refinement to the overall showy bloom.

Leaf

Lanceolate blade.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from late spring to late summer and lasts between 90 and 120 days.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.2 m.

Lifespan

Perennial plant.

Where to plant

Due to its excellent summer flowering, it is very well suited for ornamenting green spaces with a high decorative value; it is in fact considered a typical plant for flowerbeds, balconies, flower boxes Ideal also in rock gardens. It is ideal for compact compositions, which can be combined with taller blooms.

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is daisy-shaped, small, with single-coloured petals. It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

It shows compact growth, ideal for bedding compositions with other ornamentals of different heights in order to create plays of perspective and movement.

Plant habit

Characteristically globular habit, with a bushy, proportionate final effect.

Branching

It develops medium branching, creating an interesting decorative result.

PH

The ideal soil pH is between 5.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

For spring transplanting into a flower bed, carry out light digging, removing any weeds and bulky stones, then break up the coarser clods and add professional quality substrate to the surface to an average height of 5/10 cm, and finally carefully level.

Sun exposure

An exposure in full sun, half shade is the optimal environmental condition for a balanced vegetative development and abundant flowering of this light-demanding ornamental plant.

Ideal climate and temperature

It grows best in cool summer climates. The ideal temperature is between 10 and 20 °C. The vital temperature is between -20 and 35 °C In this temperature range, the plant can survive and then resume normal vegetative growth when ideal thermal conditions are restored.

Use

Appreciated by growers, gardeners and hobbyists for use in:

Ornamental

Hardiness

It has medium rusticity, adapting to climatic situations that are not always favourable for other ornamental species.

Soil

It offers the best growth results in a medium-textured, peaty, light soil that ensures good drainage and avoids water stagnation causing root rot.

Difficulty

It is fairly easy in care and maintenance, the level of management effort is low overall.

Growing tips

For maximum growth and flowering, it is recommended to

Avoid over-watering Please note that Synthetic cultivation information ideal plant for flowerbeds in cold winter climates, and withstands frozen soils very well, it fears over-fertilisation especially in conjunction with water stress.

Combinations with other plants

Suitable in bedding arrangements with other ornamentals such as Arenaria montana, Armeria maritima, Campanula poscharskyana.

Planting

To ensure balanced growth and a well-proportioned end result, an average bedding density of 10 plants per square metre is recommended.

Propagation

By sowing or by division of the head.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively canal water with a sub-acidic optimum pH, by hand watering or irrigation system. When transplanting, assist the seedling as it is more susceptible to stress at the new planting site. Take care to keep the soil moist at all times while avoiding waterlogging, which can cause root rot. It is also advisable to prevent water shortages that can cause leaf yellowing.

Fertilising

After proper establishment at the new planting site, apply a balanced organic mineral fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants to the soil at the foot of the plant. For use in pots, fertilisation must always be localised at the foot with organic mineral fertiliser. It fears over-fertilisation, particularly in conjunction with water stress.

Pet safety

Toxicity to pets not known; consider the specific case and consult with your veterinarian in case of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Ingestion toxicity not known.

Tip

Do not plant the plants in areas where there may be water stagnation, they do not like water on their roots.