Edelweiss is a rare Alpine flower, and a famous song was written about it.

The author’s mother grew up near the Alps in northeastern Italy, where edelweiss grows wild on steep rocky ledges.

As a child, the author heard local legends about young men who died climbing cliffs to pick the flowers for their beloveds.

The good news is that you can grow edelweiss without such risks.

The plant needs alkaline, well-drained rocky or sandy soil, low fertility, full sun, and cold winters.

It grows best in lower-humidity areas of horticultural zones 4-7, and it rewards gardeners at high elevations.

Sow seeds outdoors in late fall for winter chilling, or plant pre-chilled seeds in early spring.

Press seeds into the soil but do not bury them.

They sprout in spring and bloom in their second year.

You can also buy starter plants and transplant them after the last frost.

Water regularly in the first year; after that, they rarely need extra water.

Do not fertilize, except minimally in containers.

The plant survives temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even if you never grow it, you likely know it from the Rodgers and Hammerstein song in the 1965 movie “The Sound of Music.”

The author notes that despite inspiring risky acts, the flower has inspired generations of gardeners, hikers, and movie lovers.