Anaphalis 'New Snow'

Anaphalis 'New Snow': Silvery Elegance with a Wild Meadow Spirit

Anaphalis 'New Snow', or pearly everlasting, brings a quiet strength and subtle beauty to sunny garden spaces. Its low mats of silvery, woolly foliage provide a soft, cooling contrast to brighter plantings, while upright stems bear papery white flower clusters that bloom from mid-summer into early fall. Long valued for its drought tolerance, pollinator appeal, and utility in dried arrangements, this perennial is as practical as it is ornamental. With its gentle texture and enduring character, 'New Snow' is a refined addition to naturalistic plantings, gravel borders, and low-maintenance designs.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming low, spreading mats
• Flower Colour: Bright white, button-like blooms
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer into early fall
• Foliage: Silvery-grey, woolly leaves with a soft texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun (tolerates light shade)
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or gritty soils; drought tolerant

Uses and Benefits: 'New Snow' is ideal for dry, sunny sites where a low-maintenance, textural groundcover is needed. Its silver foliage softens hot-coloured schemes and weaves beautifully into prairie and rock garden plantings. The blooms attract pollinators and last well in both fresh and dried arrangements. With strong deer and rabbit resistance, this easygoing perennial excels in xeriscapes, wildflower gardens, and naturalistic borders.

Companion Plants: Pair 'New Snow' with Aster 'October Skies' for fall colour and late-season nectar, creating a soft blue backdrop as the Anaphalis finishes blooming. Add Sedum 'Dark Magic' for bold contrast—its dark foliage and rose-pink blooms enhance the silver tones of 'New Snow'. Complete the composition with Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'—its fine, upright form and bronzy fall colour provide movement and seasonal harmony.

Care Instructions: Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly during establishment. Once settled, 'New Snow' is drought tolerant and requires little maintenance. Deadhead to tidy if desired. Cut back in early spring. Avoid rich or poorly drained soils that may reduce longevity.

History: A cultivated selection of Anaphalis margaritacea, 'New Snow' draws on the native North American and Asian heritage of the species. Its compact form and clean white blooms have made it a favourite for both ornamental gardens and dried floral use. Pearly everlasting has a long history in traditional medicine and folklore, further enhancing its quiet charm and versatility.

Final Thoughts: Anaphalis 'New Snow' is a silvery, steadfast perennial that brings softness, structure, and understated bloom to the summer garden. Its cool foliage, lasting flowers, and drought tolerance make it a natural fit for modern, sustainable landscapes. Blended with asters, sedum, and native grasses, it forms a low-maintenance planting full of texture, seasonality, and quiet beauty.