Alpine arctic cudweed
Omalotheca supina · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant alpine arctic cudweed: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, grey-green woolly
- Flowering
- July to September
- Mature size
- 10–20 cm tall, 20–30 cm spread
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to –15 °C
- Origin
- Alps and mountainous regions of Europe
- Soil type
- Well-draining, light, poor in organic matter
Care
Watering
Water moderately during spring and summer growth. Once established, this alpine plant tolerates drought well and survives extended dry periods. In winter, reduce watering considerably to prevent root rot. Overly moist soil is its main enemy.
Exposure
Place your cudweed in full sun to achieve optimal dense, woolly foliage. Sunny exposure also encourages generous flowering. This alpine plant loves maximum light.
Soil and drainage
Use very well-draining, poor, light substrate: a mix of garden soil, coarse sand and gravel works well. Cudweed hates waterlogged soil. Lightly amend with gravel or stone chips to reinforce drainage.
Pruning and deadheading
Remove faded flowers after flowering to maintain vigour. In late winter or early spring, remove any dead or weakened parts. No severe pruning needed: this plant thrives on its own and naturally maintains a compact form.
Fertiliser
No fertiliser is needed. This alpine mountain plant thrives in poor soils. Excess fertility promotes soft foliage and reduces hardiness.
Diseases and pests
Very robust in alpine conditions. Watch out mainly for excessive moisture, which causes root rot. Protect from winter humidity by improving drainage. Pests are rare on this small mountain perennial.
Did you know?
The cudweed gets its name from its leaves covered in fine white hairs giving it a silvery woolly appearance — a natural adaptation of alpine plants to reflect intense UV rays and reduce transpiration at high altitude. In the mountains, these little white touches adorn rocky grasslands with their delicate flower spikes in the heart of summer.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.