Recommended Garden Plants For Switzerland

Edelweiss

• Edelweiss means noble and white. The scientific name of Edelweiss is Leontopodium Alpinum, but it is also known as Lion's Foot. There are 30 different forms of Edelweiss, which means it has become well-adapted to extreme high and low temperatures. Edelweiss prefers altitudes of 1,700 to 2,700 meters and can grow to a height of 3 to 7 inches. They are a perennial flower that needs sunlight and good soil drainage.

Rhododendrons

• Rhododendrons are available in more than 1,000 species and varieties. However, a few of the most popular choices to choose are: R. Mucronulatum, Praecox, Bric-A-Brac, PJM, Cilpinense, Rosamundi, Christmas Cheer, Blue Diamond, Conemaugh, Brocade, Tessa, R. Lutescens and R. Moupinense. Each is slightly different in color, growth height and flowering season. For example, the Praecox is a pink-purple in color, will grow to 3 feet in height and flowers between February and March. While the Blue Diamond is blue-purple in color, will grow to 3 feet and blooms only in April.

Androsace

• The Androsace flower has four varieties available: Albana, Carnea SSP Brigantiaca, Sarmentosa, also known as Chumbyi, and Septentrionalis, also known as Stardust. Each of these are small flowers that grow in groups. The Albana is a white or pink flower that does not live long, but does reseed regularly. It grows best in partial shade. While the Chumbyi is one of the easiest Androsace to grow in partial shade to sun and good drainage. The flowers bloom in a reddish-pink color.

Fungus Flowers

• Fungus Flowers are a growing fungus that blooms flowers between the fungus scales. The seven varieties of fungus flowers are: Fringed Pinesap, Pinefoot, Pinedrops, Indian Pipe, Coral Root Orchid, Candy Stick and The Snow Plant. Fungus flowers have no chlorophyll and receive nutrients through the soil from trees that have released fungus into the ground. Each type of fungus flower varies in height; however, each is a whitish-gray color, with scales either at the top where the flowers bloom or running down the stem of the plant, with one large flower bloom at the top.

Bellflower

• Bellflowers are part of the Campanula family. They are an easy flower to grow, do well in partial shade to full sun, and begin blooming in July. They do need regular watering, especially during hot or dry seasons. The soil needs to have good drainage and a fertilizer only once or twice a year. They will grow to a height of 24 to 30 inches tall and they are disease- and insect-tolerant.