Plant Overview
A tough plant from the high mountains of Europe which was immortalised by the song from The Sound of Music, Edelweiss. Its flowers and foliage are covered in tiny hairs, appearing almost woolly, protecting it from the sun and cold. The unusual flowers are made up of a combination of tiny heads of cream-yellow flowers and furry bracts, giving a grey-white appearance overall.
It is a national symbol, especially of Romania, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Italy. According to tradition, giving this flower to a loved one is a promise of dedication.
Hardy, tough and drought tolerant. Grow in a rockery, gravel garden or container for best effect.
Height and Spread: 20cm x 30cm
Common name: Edelweiss; Cats Paws; Wool Flower.
Edelweiss - Song by Richard Rodgers
Edelweiss, edelweiss
Every morning you greet me
Small and white, clean and bright
You look happy to meet me
Blossom of snow, may you bloom and grow
Bloom and grow forever
Edelweiss, edelweiss
Bless my homeland forever
Photo: Tobias Gasser, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons