Snow Lotus

Snow Lotus

　　Morphological Characteristics:

Perennial herb. Plant height ranges from 15 cm to 35 cm. The stem is stout, with fibrous remnant leaf bases at the root collar. Leaves grow densely in clusters, are oblong or ovate-oblong in shape, and are sessile. 10 to 20 capitula are densely arranged into a spherical inflorescence at the top of the stem, sessile, with 3 to 4 layers of rosulate involucral bracts covered in sparse white long hairs, and the corolla is purple. Flowering period is from July to August. This species is native to Xinjiang. It is also distributed in Mongolia, Central Asia and Siberia of the former Soviet Union. Commonly found in high mountain rock crevices, ice-scarred steep rocks and gravel slopes near the snow line.

Key Cultivation Points:

Propagated by seeds. Extremely cold-hardy and prefers higher air humidity.

Application Value:

The Snow Lotus is as large as a lotus, with leaves resembling jade-green, and its purple inflorescence is magnificent and fragrant. Since ancient times, it has been regarded as a symbol of love among young men and women, and is also a valuable medicinal herb. Although resources are abundant, it is not commonly used in landscaping. It can be introduced into rock gardens in high-altitude urban parks to allow people to admire its beauty.