Popular Edelweiss Flower Types, Species, and Cultivars
Most Edelweiss varieties other than the classic Alps Edelweiss are Asian varieties that are part of the larger Leontopodium genus. Within the true Leontopodium nivale and Leontopodium alpinum species, popular cultivars include:
Matterhorn
European Edelweiss, with extended bloom time and better longevity. Whereas the regular Edelweiss
vary in appearance, in ‘Matterhorn’ every plant is the same and has that classic look. It blooms later, starting just about when the regular one is done, but keeps going for months. Not only do the same blooms last a long time but it re-blooms late summer and fall as well. ‘Matterhorn’ can be grown more like other sun perennials and responds well to extra water and a bit more fertilizer than other Edelweiss.
It has a strong root system and fills out 3 ½” pots fast. Before planting, make sure to pull some of the roots out (we use the anvil blade of an old pair of pruners) and after the initial soaking-in after planting, keep moist for several weeks. This will ensure the plant establishes well.
Mont Blanc
A newer vegetatively propagated selection (by division opposed to by seed) much like ‘Matterhorn’,
with relatively large flowers and just like it, being borne over an extended season lasting for months. ‘Mont Blanc’ can be grown more like other sun perennials and responds well to extra water and a bit more fertilizer than other Edelweiss.
It has a strong root system and fills out 3 ½” pots fast. Before planting, make sure to pull some of the roots out (we use the anvil blade of an old pair of pruners) and after the initial soaking-in after planting, keep moist for several weeks. This will ensure the plant establishes well.
Mt. Everest
Maybe not the “real thing” from the Alps, but nevertheless prettiest. Covered with small, pointy flowers on short stems all summer, appearing as though grown in high altitudes. Forms small mats and tends to be short-lived; we recommend dividing them frequently (every 1 to 2 years). They’ll tolerate dryer spells once established, which takes several months. Until then, they need to be kept moist until established. The best success is by planting them in fall.
Watzmann
This variety has smaller flowers than the two just mentioned. This makes them look more like the ones growing in the Alps. It seems to bloom not quite as long as the Matterhorn/Mont Blanc but definitely more and longer than the regular Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum).
Leontopodium nivale from Tibet
Amazingly tough! You’d think growing at an altitude of 14,000 feet they wouldn’t take temps in the 100s, but they did just fine. Bears typical Edelweiss flowers, although not very numerous, grow this one for the unusual silvery-fuzzy foliage and toughness.
Leontopodium ‘Top of the World’
HIMALAYAN EDELWEISS
A chance seedling between the European Edelweiss and L. nivale from Tibet, has inherited the best of both worlds (pun intended): The silver leaves and longevity from L. nivale Tibet and the floriferousness and vigor from the European Edelweiss. For us, the earliest to bloom of all Edelweiss and reblooms late summer/fall. For average to lean and well drained soil.