Leucogenes grandiceps
New Zealand edelweiss
A mat-forming perennial to around 15cms high, with a woody base and semi-upright stems wrapped in small, overlapping wedge-shaped leaves covered in soft, downy silver hairs. In early summer, produces small, flat yellow flower heads surrounded by woolly white bracts at the tips of the stems
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming, Spreading branched
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand (S.Island)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus rich, moist but well-drained, gritty soil in full sun. Thrives in a cool, moist climate, dislikes summer heat and winter wet. Ideal for a trough or alpine house
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, or by stem tip cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite when grown under glass, and to slugs and snails when grown outdoors
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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