Mountain everlasting grows as a wildflower in cool mountain regions. It is also a popular ornamental due to its pretty pink flowers and mat-forming habit. This perennial is frequently chosen to feature in border edges, rockeries, and in between paving slabs. It can reproduce without fertilization.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Antennaria dioica (mountain everlasting, stoloniferous pussytoes, catsfoot or cudweed) is a Eurasian and North American species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is a perennial herb found in cool northern and mountainous regions of Europe and northern Asia (Russia, Mongolia, Japan, Kazakhstan, China (Xinjiang, Heilongjiang, Gansu), and also in North America in Alaska only.
Antennaria dioica is an evergreen, herbaceous perennial plant growing to 10–20 cm tall, with a rosette of basal spoon-shaped leaves 4 cm long, and 1 cm broad at their broadest near the apex; and smaller leaves arranged spirally up the flowering stems. The flowers are produced in capitula (flowerheads) 6–12 mm diameter with pale pink ray florets and darker pink disc florets. The plant’s common name is derived from the flower clusters which are thought to resemble the pads or toes of a cat’s paw.
It is dioecious, but can also reproduce without fertilisation. It is found in groups which can be all-female colonies, all-male colonies, and also mixed colonies. The male plants have whiter flower heads than female plants. The species name, dioica, is derived from Greek as reference to the separate male and female plants. Its common habitats include mountain grasslands, dry pastures and woodland edges.
II. How to Grow and Care
Mountain everlasting is a hardy perennial that thrives in well-drained soils and tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky conditions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making it versatile in various garden areas. Special care points include ensuring proper soil drainage to prevent root rot and avoiding excessive watering. The plant’s drought tolerance and minimal nutritional needs render it low-maintenance, ideal for gardeners seeking an easy-care species.
Sunlight and Soil
Mountain everlasting performs best in full sun in moderately fertile, gritty or sandy, dry to medium, well-drained soils. It tolerates poor infertile soils and hot, dry locations. Good drainage in all seasons is critical to reduce root rot.
Watering
Mountain everlasting thrives in well-drained soil, reflecting its adaptation to rocky and sandy habitats where water is not retained for long. Its drought tolerance is notable, requiring only occasional hydration to maintain health. Accordingly, mountain everlasting should be watered once every two weeks. As an alpine plant often found at higher elevations, mountain everlasting has adapted to environments with significant temperature fluctuations that can affect moisture availability. In the context of indoor versus outdoor cultivation, mountain everlasting, being a hardy perennial, is more commonly grown outdoors where it can experience natural rainfall patterns and seasonal changes, essential for its growth cycle.
Fertilizing
For mountain everlasting, a light dose of balanced nutrition fertilizer is best, applied monthly during the growing season. High-phosphorus options can boost flower production. Over-fertilizing risks harm so follow recommended quantities. Seasonal growth stages dictate altering fertilization: reduce in dormancy and increase as growth resumes. Use slow-release or diluted liquid fertilizers for controlled nutrient provision. Wear gloves and avoid root contact for safety. This promotes vigorous growth and vibrant flowers, essential to mountain everlasting’s vitality.
Propagation
Mountain everlasting, a perennial herb found in alpine and subalpine regions, thrives with vegetative propagation, particularly through division. Division should be handled carefully to avoid damaging the roots and should involve separating healthy offshoots from the parent plant during its dormant stage. Once divided, replant the sections promptly, ensuring they are given suitable soil conditions—well-drained, light soil that mimics its native, gritty habitat. Consistent moisture without waterlogging and partial shade will encourage successful establishment of new plants.
Transplanting
The quintessential time to relocate mountain everlasting is when nature rejuvenates, offering mild weather and ample growth opportunities. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot. Position with care, avoiding deep burial to encourage robust growth.
Repotting
Repotting mountain everlasting every 2-3 years in early spring to accommodate growth. This low-growing perennial thrives best when not crowded. Choose a shallow container that mirrors mountain everlasting’s natural spreading habit. Post-repotting, ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. With proper care, mountain everlasting will flourish, showcasing its unique cushion-like tufts and vibrant blooms.
III. Uses and Benefits
While not widely used in herbal medicine, the plant was believed to have antitussive, astringent, diuretic and emollient properties. It has been traditionally used to treat bronchitis, liver and gall bladder complaints, hepatitis and diarrhea. Externally, it has been used as a gargle for treating tonsillitis and as a douche for vaginitis.
John Gerard’s Herball (1597) describes the plant: “When the flower hath long flourished and is waxen old, then comes there in the middest of the floure a certain brown yellow thrumme, such as is in the middest of the daisie, which floure being gathered when it is young may be kept in such manner (I meane in such freshness and well-liking) by the space of a whole year after in your chest or elsewhere, wherefore our English women have called it ‘Live Long,’ or ‘Live-for ever,’ which name doth aptly answer this effects.”