Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height: 20cm/8in, width: 23cm/9in

Leontopodium alpinium, better known as edelweiss, is a perennial member of the daisy family which grows in alpine meadows throughout Europe. It forms attractive clumps with woolly, grey-green leaves and white `flowers' (actually bracts) in summer.

GROWING Plant in spring in well-drained, preferably sandy, on an open sunny site.

PROPAGATION Edelweiss are easy to raise from seed. Sow in ear1v spring in boxes of a potting compost/grit mixture and place in a cold frame. Prick off the seedlings into boxes when they are large enough to handle and then into individual pots. Keep in the cold frame until planting out the following spring.

VARIETIES The species is reliable. `Mignon' is a good dwarf form at 10cm/4in high.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Generally trouble-free.