Best alpines

Perfect for containers and drought-tolerant planting schemes, alpines are petite plants that add texture and jewel-like pops of colour, says Camilla Phelps

- Camilla Phelps

WHEN you think of alpine plants, it might seem like one of those niche, exclusive horticultural clubs, requiring lots of expertise, probably a greenhouse or a rockery and specialist composts. Certainly, there are some more delicate specimens that you might see in collections at botanical gardens. These are usually displayed in scaled-down versions of alpine landscapes in dedicated glasshouses.

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy alpines in your garden. Don’t be deceived by the often small, jewel-like flowers and shiny, sometimes succulent foliage. Many are tough, hardy plants that originate in rocky and mountainous conditions often at high altitudes and exposed sites with extreme temperatures and little water.

Great choice for the garden

It’s these challenging growing conditions that make alpines a great choice for the garden. Whether you are looking for unusual container displays, something to fill a gap at the front of a border or soften the edges of a path or raised bed, or perhaps you want to try a drought-tolerant scheme or a green roof, there are alpines to suit. Many alpine plants are also good at growing in cracks in walls and paving and might even appear uninvited if you’re lucky. They are also great for pollinators, too, so be sure to add them to your wildlife corner.

The key to growing alpines is to get the soil and drainage right with a mix of good compost, sharp sand and grit. Many plants will fare better in slightly alkaline conditions, so if your soil is heavy and damp, try growing alpines singly in pots or as a collection in a large, low container or an old sink. Once they are established, they need relatively little TLC.