Anaphalis triplinervis Sommerschnee

Anaphalis triplinervis 'Sommerschnee' is a lovely perennial ground cover for sunny and well-drained soils with everlasting flowers that resemble small white and pearly daisies. Its inflorescences are composed of bracts with silver reflections, and its fine grey-green foliage is covered with a thick white felt. It is a resilient and undemanding plant, perfect for rockeries or sunny slopes. Its paper-like flowers are stunning in fresh bouquets and dry beautifully.

Anaphalis triplinervis, also known as Himalayan Everlasting, is a plant from the Asteraceae family, native to the Himalayan mountains, specifically from Tibet, Afghanistan, northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan. In its natural environment, this deciduous to semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial grows on rocky and limestone soils that remain slightly moist during the growing season. The 'Sommerschnee' cultivar, from which it originates, is possibly a hybrid of Anaphalis nepalensis, a Chinese species with a more spreading habit and very woolly and white foliage. 'Sommerschnee' forms a 30 cm (12in) tall cushion when in bloom, which spreads over time thanks to non-trailing rhizomatous stems. Its semi-evergreen foliage is composed of small, pointed, very hairy leaves, measuring 1 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in length,  covered with white wool and crossed by 3 deep veins. They are arranged in basal or terminal rosettes on short, erect or ascending stems. Flowering occurs from July to September, in the form of clusters of small round, white and pearly buds that open into approximately 3 cm (1in) wide heads. Several rows of bracts, resembling slightly leathery petals, are arranged around a small golden-yellow centre and dry to perfection.

Anaphalis triplinervis 'Sommerschnee' is a lovely, hardy plant that remains beautiful throughout the summer and until the end of the season. Easy to grow, it only dislikes excessively wet, heavy soils that become waterlogged in winter. This everlasting thrives in rock gardens and along borders in a slightly wild garden, where it makes a good ground cover. This alpine plant pairs well with Carpathian Bellflower, saxifrages, aubrietas, and of course, edelweiss. Its flowers can easily be incorporated into dried flower arrangements. To do so, they should be cut before they fully open and before the white fuzz on the stems and foliage fades. The stems can then be tied into small bundles and hung upside down in a cool, shaded, and well-ventilated place.