Edelweiss is one of the most loved of all mountain plants. Unfortunately, it is so admired that it gets dug up and taken home as a reminder of alpine holidays. Sadly, most of these collected plants die before the journey home is completed, while the mountains are slowly becoming denuded of this marvellous plant.

The plant that is most commonly grown is the alpine edelweiss, Leontopodium alpinum. It forms a compact cushion of green leaves, covered in small white hairs, and white flowering heads. The most commonly cultivated variety is ‘Mignon’, which is one of the best at keeping its compact shape.

These plants should be grown on the top of a rock garden, where they will enjoy the best drainage. Species other than Leontopodium alpinum are probably best treated as alpine-house plants and grown in pots, where they can be protected from the wet. As far as the cold is concerned, these are completely hardy plants, but in wet areas, it is a good idea to cover them with a sheet of glass during the winter to deflect the rain. However, don’t cover them completely as it is important that there is a flow of air around the plants.

Plant out new plants in the spring but don’t plant them too deeply and place some grit or gravel under the cushion to protect the leaves from damp soil. These plants must have as much light as possible and in the main, require no watering, pruning or training.

Growing Requirements

Soil
Leontopodium alpinum need a very lean, sparse soil. Any richness in it will cause the plant to become drawn, loose and prone to attack by disease. A gritty, well-drained soil is essential to keep the plant’s compact shape, like those seen in the mountains.

Size
Edelweiss will grow to a height and width of 8in (20cm).

Propagation
Plants can be increased in the spring either by sowing seed or by dividing them.

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Leontopodium

This European plant has a long history of garden use, first appearing in texts of the sixth century. Its other common names are bladder cherry, Japanese lantern and winter cherry. It is often grown for its autumn fruits, which are much used by flower arrangers.

Physalis alkekengi has, for most of the year, a fairly uninteresting appearance. From August onwards however, the calyces, which surround the fruit and give the appearance of lanterns, start to take on their stunning red-orange colour and grow up to 2in (5cm) long. Cutting for flower arranging should be done as the colour of the calyces changes but if left on the plant they can become skeletonized.

Physalis can be sown under glass, in early spring, and used as an annual, being discarded after the lanterns are cut. When grown as a perennial, plants will die down after the first frost, and emerge early the following summer. The plant tends to have weak stems and can benefit from a few support stakes.

The Chinese lantern will grow in sun or shade, but the best crop of lanterns is obtained on plants in full sun, where the fruits will have formed early. Restrict the spread of this plant by cutting back any roots, which have spread further than 12 in (30cm) from the main plant. Cut deep into the soil with a sharp spade, then dig up and burn the roots.

Growing Requirements

Soil
This plant really will grow in any soil, but grow Physalis in a free draining soil, rich in organic matter for best results. Although established root systems will survive in the driest of conditions, growth is most rampant in moist soil.

Size
Physalis alkekengi can reach a height of 18in (45cm) with a spread of 2ft (60cm).

Propagation
The easiest method of propagation is to lift and replant a handful of roots in the spring or autumn. Chinese lanterns may also be grown from seed sown in the spring.

Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Physalis