EDELWEISS Leontopodium alpinum

Leontopodium is a genus of plants in the Asteraceae family (which also includes daisies and sunflowers). The genus is native to Europe and Asia. The fuzzy and somewhat stocky petals could be thought of as somewhat resembling lions' paws —hence the genus name combining léōn (lion) and pódion (foot).

Eledweiss is a well-known plant from the mountains of Europe. It has been regarded as a national symbol of Austria, worn as a cap emblem by Austrian troops and displayed on Austrian coins. A song about the plant, written by Oscar Hammerstein, was featured in the musical production The Sound Of Music.

Type: Perennial

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Location: Sun

Seeds per pack: 10

Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds can benefit from a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds on the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.