About
Leucogenes grandiceps, the South Island edelweiss, is a compact, mat-forming, woody-based perennial to about 15 cm with semi-upright stems covered in small, overlapping, wedge-shaped, downy silver-grey leaves. In early summer, small, flat, yellow flowerheads are produced surrounded by woolly, white bracts at the stem tips � one of the most charming of the New Zealand edelweisses, for a sunny, very well-drained alpine house or trough.
About the genus
Leucogenes, the New Zealand edelweisses, are compact, woody, evergreen perennials with silvery-grey, downy foliage and small, tubular, white, edelweiss-like flowers with yellow centres. Specialist alpine plants for sunny, very well-drained rock gardens and alpine houses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toNew Zealand (S.Island)
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, or by stem tip cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to red spider mite when grown under glass, and to slugs and snails when grown outdoors
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free