Pearl everlasting Anaphalis triplinervis 'Sommerschnee'
ABOUT
Sommerschnee is known for its striking visual appeal, characterized by silvery-green foliage that brings a hint of soft, muted color to gardens. The leaves of this plant are narrow and oblong, often covered in a fine, downy texture that adds to its silvered appearance. During the blooming period, the garden is graced with clusters of small, puffy, white flowers. These flowers resemble tiny pompoms dotting the plant and offer a snow-like effect, which is befitting of the plant's name, translating to 'Summer Snow'. The blossoms can appear in abundance and stand out beautifully against the foliage, creating a soft, dreamy look. This perennial is sought after for its unique color palette and textural quality that enriches garden landscapes and attracts butterflies and pollinators. Sommerschnee's visual contrast can be particularly striking when set against the deeper greens typical of many garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Pearl Everlasting, Summer Snow
Common names
Gnaphalium javanicum, Anaphalis javanica, Anaphalis margaritacea var. triplinervis, Anaphalis margaritacea var. corymbosa, Anaphalis corymbosa, Anaphalis adnata, Anaphalis triplinervis var. javanica, Anaphalis wightiana.
ToxicityTo humans
Pearl everlasting is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of poisoning or adverse health effects associated with this plant. Like with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially occur, but this is relatively uncommon.
To pets
Pearl everlasting is not known to be toxic to pets. There is no documented toxicity for cats, dogs, or other domestic animals from ingesting this plant. However, as with all plants, ingestion of large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the novelty and fiber content.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Anaphalis triplinervis 'Sommerschnee', commonly known as Pearl everlasting, attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, aiding in pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: The plant is known for its ability to withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
- Low Maintenance: Pearl everlasting requires minimal care once established, which can save time and resources for gardeners and landscapers.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its silvery foliage and clusters of small, white, everlasting flowers, this plant adds texture and visual interest to garden beds, borders, and wildflower gardens.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is not favored by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Erosion Control: The root system helps stabilize soil, making Anaphalis triplinervis 'Sommerschnee' beneficial for slopes or areas prone to erosion.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for cut flower arrangements and dried floral crafts due to its long-lasting blooms and attractive silvery foliage.
- Extended Blooming Season: Pearl everlasting has a lengthy flowering period, often blooming from midsummer into the fall, providing a sustained source of beauty.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of surviving and thriving in cooler climates, making it an excellent perennial for northern gardens.
- Wildlife Support: The plant provides a habitat and food source for various insects, contributing to a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Anaphalis triplinervis 'Sommerschnee', also known as pearl everlasting, can be used in dried flower arrangements, as the blooms retain their shape and color after drying.
- The dense foliage of pearl everlasting provides excellent ground cover in gardens, helping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- This plant is suitable for rock gardens due to its hardiness and ability to thrive in well-drained soils with minimal maintenance.
- Pearl everlasting is often planted to create a contrasting texture in borders with its fuzzy, silver-gray leaves amongst other garden plants.
- The flowers can be used as a natural fabric dye, offering a range of subtle colors from yellows to greens depending on the mordants used.
- Its long-lasting flowers make pearl everlasting a popular choice for winter garden interest, as they stand up to frost and snow, adding aesthetic value during the dull months.
- Many butterfly species, including Painted Ladies, are attracted to the pearl everlasting, making it a beneficial addition to butterfly gardens.
- Craft enthusiasts may use the flowers and stems in potpourri mixtures for a natural and delicate fragrance in the home.
- Due to its resilient and tightly clumping growth habit, pearl everlasting can be utilized for erosion control on slopes and banks.
- The plant can serve as a natural indicator of soil conditions, thriving in well-drained soil and signaling potential drainage issues if it fails to grow vigorously.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Pearl Everlasting is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Pearl Everlasting is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Anaphalis triplinervis 'Sommerschnee', commonly known as the Pearl everlasting, is a hardy perennial, symbolizing the ability to withstand challenges and persist through difficult conditions.
- Everlasting Love: With the word 'everlasting' in its common name, this plant is often associated with enduring affection and undying love, making it a favorite for romantic bouquets and arrangements.
- Purity: The white color of its flowers often represents innocence and purity, making the plant a symbolic gesture for pure intentions or new beginnings.
- Consolation: Pearl everlasting has been associated with comfort and solace, possibly due to its soft and delicate appearance, offering a sense of calming presence in times of grief.
- Healing: The plant has been used in traditional medicine, and thus may symbolize healing from physical or emotional wounds.
WaterThe Pearl Everlasting should be watered deeply and then allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant is sufficient, but this may vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. During hot or dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary to maintain soil moisture. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases. It's important not to overwater, as this plant prefers well-drained soils and can be prone to root rot if kept too wet.
LightPearl Everlasting thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers locations where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching. A spot that gets morning sun and dappled afternoon light would be ideal for supporting healthy growth.
TemperaturePearl Everlasting is hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range, surviving minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can handle heat well but performs best in cooler summer temperatures not exceeding 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining appropriate moisture during temperature extremes will help the plant thrive.
PruningPearl Everlasting benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. Prune in the early spring before new growth begins to remove any dead or damaged stems. Deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season can promote additional blooms. Pruning can be done as necessary, but annual thinning is often enough.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPearl everlasting, or Anaphalis triplinervis 'Sommerschnee', thrives best in well-drained soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). A mix of loam, sand, and peat or compost is ideal, ensuring good drainage while providing essential nutrients. Avoid heavy, water-logged soils to prevent root rot.
RepottingPearl everlasting generally doesn't require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting every 3-4 years or when you notice significant root growth out of the pot's drainage holes is a good practice to ensure the plant's continued health.
Humidity & MistingPearl everlasting prefers a moderate level of humidity. It is quite adaptable but avoids excessive humidity as it may lead to fungal diseases. Aim for humidity levels similar to those found in its native habitats, around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and keep the soil well-drained.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, in well-drained soil, water when dry.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycle'Sommerschnee', commonly known as Pearly Everlasting, begins its life as a seed that typically germinates in spring when temperatures are favorable. Once germinated, the seedling develops a rosette of leaves at ground level, followed by vertical stem growth. Throughout the summer months, the plant grows and eventually produces clusters of small, white, pearly flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which are dispersed by wind to propagate the next generation. The Pearly Everlasting is a perennial, meaning it can survive through winters and regrow from the same root system for multiple seasons. In colder climates, the above-ground parts may die back in the winter, but the plant will reemerge from its roots in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early autumn
The most popular method of propagating the Anaphalis triplinervis 'Sommerschnee', commonly known as Pearled Everlasting, is by division. This is usually done in the spring, just as the plants are emerging from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at before and water them thoroughly. It's important to keep the soil moist until the new divisions are established, which typically takes a few weeks. This method is favored because it preserves the characteristics of the parent plant and allows for a quick and relatively easy increase in the number of plants.
