Position – Sun or part shade
Soil – Moist, well-drained
Flowering Period – Summer to Autumn
Hardiness – Fully hardy
Anaphalis are a close relative of the Aster family and are a native perennial wildflower of North America. They are well known for their voluptuous bunches of ever-lasting, pearly triple blooms that embellish attractive foliage. They flower profusely throughout the summer months, continuing long into autumn. They are a fantastic addition to flower beds and borders within a cottage and informal garden setting. You should expect to see Anaphalis grow to an approximate height of 50cm (20”) and spread of 1m (40”).
Anaphalis are best planted in moist, well-drained soil of loam, chalk or sand within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH level. Anaphalis should be planted once all signs of frost have passed in a site which captures full sun or part shade. You may wish to amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter or grit and mix in well with the native soil to improve the drainage.
Excessive watering can cause stolons to spread and should only be carried out when the soil dries out. Anaphalis are often inclined to self-seed. This can be prevented by gathering the heads or by shearing back your plants before the seeds ripen. Ensure that you protect your plant from winter wet by applying a generous layer of mulch around the base. Soil conditions must be kept consistently moist although as Anaphalis reach maturity, they become drought tolerant and so will require less maintenance as they develop.
It is possible to propagate Anaphalis by division during early spring or by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer.
