Alpines

Alpines at Longstock Park Nursery

These hardy and beautiful plants, hailing from mountainous regions around the world, are perfectly adapted to thrive in well drained, rocky conditions.  At Longstock Park Nursery we offer a diverse selection of Alpine plants, each chosen for its exceptional quality and visual appeal.  We stock the breadth of what Alpines can offer, from low growing mats to more structured forms, with a wide array of flower colours and foliage.

When to Use Alpines and Where to Plant Them

Alpines are incredibly versatile and can be used in various garden settings. Their natural habitat informs their needs, but also suggests creative ways to incorporate them into your own landscape. Here's a guide to maximising their potential:

Rock Gardens: Recreate a natural mountain landscape with a variety of Alpines. Rock gardens provide the quintessential setting for Alpines, mimicking their native rocky habitats. By incorporating rocks of varying sizes and creating different levels, you can recreate the environment that supports a diverse range of Alpine species.
Gravel Gardens: Their love of well-drained soil makes them perfect for gravel gardens. Gravel gardens offer a contemporary and low-maintenance approach to gardening, and Alpines thrive in these conditions. The gravel mulch not only provides excellent drainage but also helps to suppress weeds and conserve moisture, creating an ideal environment for these sun loving plants.

Raised Beds: Create accessible displays and ensure optimal drainage.  Raised beds offer a practical solution for gardeners with limited space or poor soil. They elevate Alpines, making them easier to view and care for, while also allowing you to control the soil composition.
Containers: Many Alpines thrive in pots, bringing colour to patios and balconies.  Alpines are excellent candidates for container gardening, allowing you to enjoy their beauty up close on patios, balconies and other small spaces. The key is to use well-draining pots and a suitable gritty compost mix.
Wall Crevices: Tuck them into dry stone walls for a natural, cascading effect.  Dry stone walls provide a unique and natural setting for Alpines. The gaps between the stones offer the perfect drainage and root run for many species and the cascading effect of the plants creates a beautiful display of colour and texture.

Our Pick of the Alpines for Spring Colour

Brighten up your spring garden with these vibrant Alpine selections. These varieties are chosen for their early flowering, providing a burst of colour as the weather warms.

• Aubrieta 'Cascade Red'
• Draba aizoides
• Primula auricula
• Saxifraga burserana
• Our Pick of the Alpines for All Year Interest

Enjoy continuous beauty with these Alpines, offering a range of textures and forms. These selections provide interest beyond the spring flowering season, with attractive foliage, seed heads, or winter colour.

• Sempervivum 'Tectorum'
• Sedum cauticola 'Lidakense'
• Erodium cheilanthifolium
• Helianthemum nummularium
• Lewisia cotyledon
• Dianthus alpinus

Using Alpines in Pots

Alpines are well-suited to container gardening, allowing you to enjoy their beauty even in limited spaces. Here’s some guidance on how to successfully grow Alpines in pots.

Tips and Advice

Drainage is Key: Ensure your Alpine plants have well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Sunlight: Most Alpines prefer full sun to thrive.
Watering: Water sparingly, especially in winter.
Grit Mulch: Apply a grit mulch to help retain moisture and keep the base of the plants dry.
Longstock Park Nursery Expertise: Our knowledgeable staff can provide tailored advice on selecting and caring for your Alpine plants.

Visit us at Longstock Park Nursery, where you can browse our diverse selection of Alpine plants and more.