Leontopodium alpinum Mont Blanc - Edelweiss

Leontopodium alpinum Mont Blanc distinguishes itself from the wild Edelweiss by being slightly larger, accompanied by slightly larger flowers as well. 'Snow Star' is an iconic alpine perennial with a short life. In spring or early summer, it displays star-shaped heads composed of rather insignificant cream flowers and white silvery woolly bracts. Its lanceolate dark green foliage is also covered with a protective woolly down. This plant is a gem for rockeries in damp and alpine climates.

Originally from the Alps, where it has become a symbol, Edelweiss is a small perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Today, it is rare and protected in its natural habitat. The 'Mont Blanc' cultivar forms a round cushion-like clump, adorned with evergreen foliage, not exceeding 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10in) in height and 15 cm (6in) in width. To protect itself from ultraviolet rays, which are intense at high altitudes, as well as from cold temperatures, this plant is covered with a woolly down that not only covers its linear leaves, but also the leaflets that surround a compound core of tiny yellowish flower heads. This foliage may be more or less deciduous or evergreen in winter depending on the climate (deciduous in the mountains and semi-evergreen to evergreen in milder climates). Flowering occurs from May to July. Adorned with silver, the symbolic Mont Blanc Edelweiss, offers an unforgettable sight and promises happiness and prosperity. The flower is mainly pollinated by flies, as its nectar is rich in essential amino acids for their metabolism. Fresh seeds easily germinate in favourable climates and soils.

To successfully cultivate the Mont Blanc Edelweiss, one should imitate nature: this plant thrives in well-drained soil of rockeries, in cool climates, on rather calcareous soil, in full sun or partial shade. It can be associated with other mountain plants such as Campanula portenschlagiana, Aethionema x Warley Rose, Azorella trifurcata, Cyclamen coum, Globularia cordifolia, and the perennial Geranium cinereum.

Properties:

Edelweiss is used in folk medicine to relieve abdominal pain, angina, bronchitis, diarrhea, or dysentery. The cosmetic industry uses it for its powerful antioxidant properties.