An Edelweiss plant in your garden is always a total showstopper. Those fuzzy, white little stars are a fan favorite for rock gardens and dry flower beds. Since these spots get soaked in sunshine all summer long, the Edelweiss feels right at home. But you might be wondering: what happens to this alpine beauty when the temperature drops?
Overwintering Edelweiss in the Garden
This stunning high-altitude perennial is actually quite hardy and usually doesn’t need much help surviving the winter. However, there is one big “but”: you have to make sure it’s planted in well-draining soil. If there’s one thing Edelweiss hates—especially in winter—it’s “wet feet” (standing water).
In the garden, the Edelweiss survives the winter through its underground rhizome. In the fall, the plant will start to retreat, leaving behind dead flowers and leaves. Don’t reach for the shears just yet! You should wait until spring to clear that away, as the old foliage acts as a natural winter coat. If you’re expecting a “black frost” (bitter cold without any snow cover), you can toss a few evergreen boughs over the plant for extra protection. In particularly rainy winters, keep an eye out. Edelweiss is super sensitive to icy moisture. Good drainage is your best friend here, and if it’s pouring, make sure any protective branches are loose enough so the water can drain away easily.
Overwintering Edelweiss in Containers
Edelweiss doesn’t just thrive in the ground; it’s also a great candidate for pots and planters. However, container plants need a little extra TLC to get through the winter. The main goal is to keep the root ball from freezing solid. Here’s how to winter-proof your pots:
- Move the pot to a sheltered spot, like against a house wall or under a roof overhang.
- Wrap the pot in bubble wrap or a thick garden fleece.
- Elevate the pot! Place it on a piece of Styrofoam or a wooden block so the frost can’t creep up from the ground.
- Loosely cover the top of the plant with some pine branches or brushwood.
- If you have the space, you can even sink the entire pot into the ground and cover it with brushwood.
One quick tip: never try to overwinter your Edelweiss inside the house or in a warm greenhouse. While it might stay frost-free, it won’t get nearly enough light, and the plant will suffer. Keep it outside where it belongs!
