Eriogonum Ovalifolium Var. Nivale

Eriogonum ovalifolium var. nivale is a miniature snow buckwheat from the high mountains of western North America. Tight cushions of silky silver leaves hug the ground, sending up short stems of rounded flower heads that open white or cream and may age through blush pink to rosy red. In its native alpine screes it endures snow, wind, intense sun and a very short growing season. The combination of metallic foliage and softly changing flower colour makes it a superb collector's plant for a trough or alpine house, where lean gritty soil, cool roots and flawless drainage can be provided.