Alpines

Choosing the right alpine plants

Alpines can create a stunning tapestry of textures, shapes, and colors in a small space when grown en mass. When selecting plants for your collection, it’s important to consider their various characteristics.

Flower color is a significant consideration, as many alpines have vibrant, gem-like blooms. To spread the color throughout the year, choose plants that bloom in different seasons.

Foliage is another important consideration, and you should mix different types to add interest when plants aren’t in bloom. Both evergreens and deciduous plants should be selected for their leaves, which can be patterned, lacy, downy, or silvery.

Size is also a key factor, with most alpines being compact and only a few centimeters tall. Combining variations in height can create visual interest.

Style of growth is equally important, and you should mix low ground-huggers with mound-like cushion plants, as well as some with short but upright stems, such as dwarf shrubs or bulbs. Alpines that form spreading clumps look fantastic cascading over the edge of a container, dry-stone wall, or rocks.

When to plant alpines

Alpines, also known as rock plants, are a popular choice for gardeners who want to add some texture and color to their outdoor spaces. These hardy plants can be planted at any time of the year, but they tend to settle in best in the spring, when the soil is starting to warm up. This is because the warmer soil temperatures encourage root growth, which helps the alpines establish themselves more quickly. However, early autumn is also a good time to plant alpines, as the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall provide ideal growing conditions. Whether you choose to plant in spring or autumn, be sure to select a well-draining site and prepare the soil beforehand to give your alpines the best chance of thriving.

Where to grow alpines

When it comes to planting alpines, good drainage is crucial for their growth and survival. Using soil or compost that drains quickly and doesn’t get waterlogged is essential. Raised beds, rock gardens, and gravel gardens are ideal options for planting alpines, as they provide excellent drainage.

Containers are also a viable option, but it’s crucial to ensure that they have drainage holes in the base. To prevent blockages, standing the container on ‘feet’ or bricks is advisable. In wetter regions, it’s best to move the container to a rain-shadow area during the winter months to avoid waterlogging.

While most alpines thrive in full sun, there are options available for shady areas too. It’s essential to check plant labels carefully before purchasing to ensure the best possible growing conditions for the plant.

How to plant alpines in the ground

If you’re planning to plant alpines in your garden, it’s essential to prepare the area properly before planting. Weeds can quickly take over and swamp these small plants, so it’s vital to weed the area thoroughly before planting. Additionally, incorporating plenty of well-rotted garden compost or leaf mould into the soil can significantly improve drainage and provide the plants with the necessary nutrients to thrive. Alpines are small and easy to handle, making them a straightforward addition to any garden. Follow the same steps you would for planting larger plants (see our how to plant perennial plants) and give them the care and attention they need to grow into beautiful, healthy plants.

How to plant alpines in a container

When planting alpines in containers, it’s important to choose the right type of soil and container to ensure healthy growth. A 50:50 mix of soil-based compost and horticultural grit or sharp sand is recommended for these plants. When selecting a container, choose one with plenty of drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Traditional containers for alpines include sinks, stone troughs, and shallow terracotta pots. If using a container with a large drainage hole, it’s advisable to place a few stones or broken terracotta pieces over it to prevent the compost from washing out.

When planting, gently tease out the roots and work more compost around the rootballs, ensuring the top is level with the surface of the compost. A layer of horticultural grit or gravel over the surface after planting will keep the plants’ leaves off the damp compost and prevent rot.

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While the information provided can be useful in understanding how to care for your plants, it’s always important to remember that each plant is unique and may require different care instructions. As a result, we highly recommend that you always read the instruction labels on your plants to ensure that you’re providing them with the proper care and attention they need.