Anaphalis margaritacea

Anaphalis margaritacea: Pearly Everlasting

With its silvery foliage and clusters of papery white blooms, Anaphalis margaritacea adds a quiet luminosity to sunny borders and wild-style plantings. The pearl-like flowers float above woolly grey-green stems from midsummer into autumn, offering a soft, textural contrast to bolder perennials. Drought-tolerant and resilient, it’s a favourite among pollinators and a go-to for naturalistic gardens where low maintenance and subtle beauty are prized. Its everlasting blooms are also excellent for drying, retaining their form and charm long after the season ends.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm
• Flower Colour: White with yellow centres
• Flowering Period: July to September
• Foliage: Narrow, woolly grey-green leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soil

Uses and Benefits: Ideal for meadow gardens, dry slopes, pollinator patches, and prairie-style borders, Pearly Everlasting brings a soft glow to the landscape. It supports native bees and butterflies and thrives in lean soils where other plants may falter. This dependable perennial is also prized by florists and crafters for its papery blooms, which dry beautifully for arrangements and wreaths. Low water needs and natural pest resistance make it especially valuable for sustainable gardens.

Companion Plants: Combine Anaphalis margaritacea with Echinacea purpurea, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Achillea millefolium 'Moonshine' for a resilient, sun-loving trio that balances bold blooms, fine textures, and seasonal continuity.

Care Instructions: Water regularly until established, then reduce as it tolerates dry conditions well. Plant in full sun with sharply drained soil to avoid root rot. No fertilizing is typically needed; excess nutrients may reduce flowering. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Divide every few years to maintain vigour and prevent overcrowding.

History: Native to much of North America, Anaphalis margaritacea has long been admired for its tough constitution and silvery charm. Its common name, Pearly Everlasting, reflects its use in traditional dried floral crafts. Historically, it also held value in Indigenous medicine for its soothing properties.

Final Thoughts: Anaphalis margaritacea is a quiet classic—unfussy, adaptable, and gracefully enduring. Whether lighting up a dry garden or lending structure to a wildflower border, it brings a soft permanence that lives up to its name.