Anaphalis margaritacea 'New Snow'

Anaphalis margaritacea 'New Snow': Pearly Everlastings on Silver Stems

Pearly white papery flowers on woolly silver stems, looking like they were made in a craft room and somehow came to life. 'New Snow' never melts. FRESH POWDER ALL SUMMER LONG.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Anaphalis margaritacea 'New Snow'
• Common Name: Pearly Everlasting
• Height: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Spread: 45 cm (18 in)
• Flowers: Dense clusters of small, papery, pearl-white flower heads with yellow centres
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July to September)
• Foliage: Narrow, woolly, silver-grey leaves on upright stems
• Features: Excellent for cutting and drying

Where to Plant: Grow it in a sunny border, a meadow or prairie-style planting, a rock garden, or a dry slope where richer perennials struggle. Its silver foliage cools down hot colours nearby. Plant extra for cutting, since the stems make long-lasting dried arrangements and wreaths.

Companion Plants: Armeria maritima gives the front a pink edge in May and June, before the white flowers open. Eryngium 'Blue Glitter' stands at 90 cm with steely blue heads from June to August. At the back, Andropogon gerardii grows up to 200 cm and carries the bed into October. These plants all like full sun and lean soil.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in well-drained, average to poor soil. Sandy or gravelly ground is ideal. Rich, wet soil can make it floppy and short-lived. Water regularly the first season, then let it fend for itself. It spreads slowly by underground stems to form a loose patch. Divide in spring if it wanders beyond its space. Cut the stems back in late fall, or leave them standing for winter interest and tidy up in early spring.

History: Pearly everlasting grows wild across much of North America, including Ontario and Quebec, as well as parts of northeast Asia, and its species name margaritacea comes from the Latin for pearl. 'New Snow', originally sold as 'Neuschnee', is a garden selection chosen for its compact habit and bright white flowers.

Final Thoughts: Cut it, dry it and keep it on the mantel for months. Deer pass, butterflies don't. THE ONLY SNOW YOU'LL EVER ASK FOR.