How to Grow Edelweiss Flowers
Edelweiss flowers are an alpine plants, perennials that are native to the Alps of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France. Edelweiss flowers are quite rare in the wild in many areas and are considered endangered in several countries. These famous flowers, subject of songs and legends, grow naturally in rocky crags in the Alps and are best cultivated in a rock garden that mimics their natural habitat. Grown in partial shade, these plants will develop beautiful woolly flowers which, with a ring of silvery white leaves surrounding them, look rather like large snowflakes. Edelweiss flowers are reasonably easy to propagate from seed and quite hardy if grown in conditions that suit them.
Preparing to grow Edelweiss flowers must begin with the proper soil and conditions. As these flowers grow naturally in limestone mountains, Edelweiss plants thrive in loose soil that is rich in lime. Soil that is too heavy or hard will choke the delicate, hair-like root system of the plant. Mixing up a planting medium that combines one part lime with two parts sand as a base, then adding some peat moss and cow manure makes an ideal foundation for Edelweiss flowers to thrive.
- Edelweiss flowers are an alpine plants, perennials that are native to the Alps of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France.
- As these flowers grow naturally in limestone mountains, Edelweiss plants thrive in loose soil that is rich in lime.
Grow Edelweiss From Seed
Prepare the soil for planting, enriching it with a layer of peat moss, one of composted manure and a sprinkling of lime. Sow the seeds in late winter or early spring, before the last frost. Expect germination within two to three weeks, depending on local temperatures. Cover the plants with a 2-inch layer of organic mulch in the fall. Expect edelweiss to bloom in June and July of the second season.
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Melinda L. Secor left a 20-year career in health care and developmental disabilities to become a full-time freelance writer. In addition to blogging regularly, she writes for numerous websites on a wide range of topics that include politics, finance, homeschooling, parenting, sustainable living/self sufficiency, health, developmental disabilities, gardening and many others.
