Erodium

Sempervivum

Sedum Cape Blanca

Alpines are easy to grow and, after planting, require little care or maintenance.  Originating in high altitude regions where they have adapted to grow in harsh conditions, they are tough and hardy despite their small size.  The only condition they don’t like is being waterlogged, so free-draining soil is important for these plants, most them even being drought tolerant.

There is an alpine for most areas of the garden.  They can be planted in containers or troughs, rock gardens, borders, between paving slabs to soften edges and even in walls where they can tumble over the stones.   Favourite garden alpines include Aubrieta (good for cascading over walls) and Sempervivum (tough and hardy houseleeks).

Alpines grow well in containers planted in a mixture of John Innes No.2 and potting grit with a good top dressing of grit to help the keep the compost moist and suppress any weeds that emerge.  Alpine containers can be planted with small spring-flowering bulbs to add colour such as Iris reticulata and cyclamen coum.  Other good plants for containers are Androsace, Armeria, Saponaria ‘Bressingham’ & Saxifrages.

Thymes are excellent for planting in between paving slabs which softens the harsh edge of the stones and also releases a wonderful scent when touched.

Although mainly sun-loving plants, there are some alpines that do equally well in dappled shade, including Geranium striatum, Potentilla tongue and Pratia.

We hold a good range of alpine plants in stock throughout the year, with more varieties available in the spring.

Sempervivum

Pratia pedunculata

Phlox Emerald Cushion

Iberis Absolutely Amethyst