About

Leontopodium haplophylloides is a species of Leontopodium (family Asteraceae) notable for its lemon-scented flowers. In the UK it flowers from July to September. The citrus fragrance is the plant's standout feature and is most evident when the flowerheads are open. It is commonly offered to gardeners under the name Lemon-Scented Edelweiss.

About the genus

Leontopodium is a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae. 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 Greek léōn ('lion') and pódion ('foot').

Wikipedia contributors, "Leontopodium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leontopodium

In the garden

Leontopodium haplophylloides belongs to the genus Leontopodium within the Asteraceae and is grown for its lemon-scented flowers. Flowering in the UK runs from July to September, a period when the scent is most apparent and the flowerheads can be inspected closely. Buyers should check individual nursery labels for site and soil recommendations because requirements can vary between Leontopodium taxa and trade cultivars. When examining plants for purchase, look for healthy, well-formed shoots and clean flowerheads; ask the supplier when the stock was lifted or potted and whether the plants were hardened off for outdoor planting. For planting and display, place specimens where the fragrance will be noticed—near a path, seating area or on a patio—so the blooms can be appreciated at close range during July to September. Containers or individual specimens allow easy access to the scent and make it simple to move plants if seasonal conditions demand. Propagation and precise cultural needs differ between lists of Leontopodium species, so follow the supplier's propagation advice or the plant's label for timing and technique. The lemon scent of Leontopodium haplophylloides is the practical reason gardeners choose it, so plan planting positions that invite inspection of the flowerheads at their peak.

Plant details

Leontopodium haplophylloides size, habit and characteristics

Fragrance

lemon-scented

More in the Leontopodium genus

• 
  Leontopodium hayachinense AJS/J 111
• 
  Leontopodium leontopodioides
• 
  Leontopodium palibinianum
• Leontopodium ochroleucum var. campestre