The wide range of alpine plants available are suited to almost any garden conditions throughout the British Isles. The versatility of plant types classified as alpines allows cultivation in the woodland, raised bed, trough, scree and of course 'The Rockery'. Gardeners of all persuasions can find room for a few attractive alpines, it just takes a little soil preparation in advance of planting.

Bulbs and corms etc.

Cyclamen hederifolium: Pink or white flowers appear in August and September with the ivy shaped attractively patterned leaves popping up during and after flowering. Cyclamen coum giving a much needed splash of colour in the winter (December through to March) flowers can vary in shade from magenta to white which show above the heart shaped glossy leaves. Dwarf Irises push up through the soil from January to March with eye-catching veined flowers in blue, purple and yellow they increase slowly to make colourful little clumps. Corydalis solida types have conical flower spikes from Feb. onward blooms slowly unfurl as the weather gets warmer offering a range of colours from white, blue, yellow, pink to a vibrant red. Species Crocus; Flowering through the Autumn into the Spring they give colour to the garden when it is much needed. Dwarf narcissus; What cheerier colour than bright yellow to welcome you to the Spring. Fritillaria; Small and dainty or large and showy there must be a place in any garden situation for this family.

Small cushion plants:

These are ideally suited for troughs Kabschia saxifragas resemble studded pincushions are early Spring flowering and give the following choice of colours; pink, yellow, white and a few rich cherry or peach shades. Drabas are ideal for a sunny situation are either neat mounds or tufted cushions producing small yellow or occasionally white flowers during the Spring. Chionohebe pulvinaris; a ground hugging neat moss-like plant producing tiny stem-less white flowers. Gentiana verna; Makes a neat rosetted mound with the electric blue star shaped flowers giving a beautiful display in April and May. Gentiana acaulis; forms a spreading mat of glossy green leaves with large deep blue trumpets in late Spring. Primula minima; Makes a tiny mound of glossy deep green leaves with bright purple/pink flowers nestling on the foliage. Primula Allionii hybrids; These colourful little gems require a little extra care.

For the larger trough or raised bed:

Andromeda; this evergreen dwarf shrub has six to nine inch stems with narrow blue grey leaves and small pink flowers Polygalas; Spreading mats with purple and yellow, yellow and white, or blue flowers. Cassiope: An ericaceous evergreen with whipcord stems which produces delicate white bells in May. Alpine primulas including the old fashioned sweetly scented Auriculas in all colour variations another favourite. Primula marginata; Pale lavender flowers on a mat of silver toothed leaves. Autumn Gentians produce trumpets of varying shades of blue and give colour from September into December. Dwarf shrubs many evergreen and small enough for the larger raised bed: Daphne retusa a dwarf evegreen with scented flowers in Spring and bright orange berries in Autumn. Dwarf Rhododendrons in all shapes sizes and flower colour. Sorbus reducta a dwarf rowan with spreading habit and bright pink berries followed by Autumn leaf colour.

For a sunny situation

Dwarf Aquilegias; Charming plants that enjoy a sunny situation. Lewisias; Fleshy green rosettes and lots eye catching flowers in May and mid July. Phloxes provide colourful carpets to cascade over edges of walls or borders in pink, white and red. Pulsatillas with their large pendant bells followed by attractive fluffy silver seed heads. Summer flowering rockery Penstemons are worth finding a space for in pink, orange or yellow. Silver leaved Celmisias; all bear white daisies whether they are small tufted mounds or the larger architectural plants with their long strap-like foliage.

Ideas for the Woodland and Shrubbery

Trillium; A beautiful plant for a deep humus soil with all parts in threes as the name suggests. Pristine white, mahogany red and even lemon scented yellow with all shades in between. Several interesting Dodecatheons (or Shooting Stars) with flowers like little cyclamen on a tall stalk. Erythroniums (Dog Toothed Violets and Trout Lilies). Elegant recurved flowers in pink, white and yellow hues. Great under deciduous shrubs. Dwarf liliums; Offers a broad range of height, colour and flowering season. With a profusion of varieties for every conceivable situation you will soon become hooked on alpines. Whilst a range of plants are available in most garden and horticultural outlets, you may be wise to seek out some of the specialist nurseries and societies where you are assured of good friendly advice.

^ back to the top ^