Edelweiss flowers are a breeze to care for. Naturally found in harsh environments, these little flowers thrive in areas with cold temperatures and poor soil. They make excellent additions to rock gardens. They are deer resistant and are not affected by many pests or diseases.
Light
These wooly flowers do best in full sunshine. To mimic the native conditions in which they grow naturally, they can be grown underneath taller plants to benefit from a measure of protection from the elements and to receive dappled sunshine.
Soil
Well-draining soil is key to keeping edelweiss plants healthy, and they do well with typical rock garden soil. These plants do best with nearly neutral pH levels, between 6.5 and 7.5. When it comes to soil composition, a mix of compost, sand, grit, and peat moss is best for growing edelweiss flowers. These flowers also grow well in rocky, limestone soils and make great additions to rock gardens.
Water
Edelweiss flowers do not require additional water once established. These fuzzy plants are naturally found in harsh, arid conditions. They cannot tolerate soggy soil and do better with underwatering rather than overwatering. During the first year of growth, water when the soil feels dry.
Temperature and Humidity
Edelweiss plants are built to withstand the low temperature, high winds, and harsh climate of high altitudes. Wooly leaves help protect the plant from wind and rain. In fact, these flowers require cold temperatures to thrive and are grown in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7. They do not grow well in hot, humid climates.
Fertilizer
Because these plants are found in the poor, rocky soils of high altitudes, edelweiss rarely requires fertilizer and often does better without it.