Edelweiss Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum
Edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to European Alps, Pyrenees and Carpathians (limestone rocks). It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 15–25 cm (6–10 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Edelweiss in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Edelweiss at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | European Alps, Pyrenees and Carpathians (limestone rocks) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Edelweiss toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Not documented as toxic; pet effects are not documented in ASPCA lists.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Edelweiss
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Edelweiss in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden (20 plants)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (16 plants)
- Jardin botanique de Montréal (20 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (9 plants)
Questions about Edelweiss
- How far apart should I plant Edelweiss?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 cm (6–10 in).
- Does Edelweiss need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Edelweiss need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Edelweiss?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Edelweiss flower?
- From about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Edelweiss poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Not documented as toxic; pet effects are not documented in ASPCA lists.
- What grows well with Edelweiss?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Edelweiss. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Short-lived alpine; needs sharp drainage, lime and cool nights, and suffers in hot humid summers. Wild plants are protected in many Alpine countries, so buy nursery-raised stock.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus