Around the world with alpines
Create an amazing global tour in your back garden without the expense of travel!
Alpine plants are those that generally grow above the tree line, usually in mountainous areas of the world, and certainly not limited to the European Alps. They like to grow in a free-draining soil, so at home this can be replicated using a mix of two parts of John Innes No 2 with one part of grit or sharp sand. These suggestions will all grow well here in the UK, bringing a little of the Alps to your garden.
Rocky Mountains of North America
Lewisia cotyledon is a wonderful alpine plant as it flowers regularly between April and November. It does best in a well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine – a strawberry or herb planter is the ideal thing to grow them in.
Himalayas
Corydalis ‘Kingfisher’ differs from the ‘usual’ blue corydalis in producing flowers almost non-stop from late March until September. It has a neat habit, with electric blue flowers at just 20-25cm (8-10in) tall. It prefers a little shade and a not too dry spot. Michael and his wife Allison own Slack Top Alpine Nursery, situated 282m (925ft) above sea level on a north-facing slope in the Yorkshire Pennines. They have won nine gold medals since they started exhibiting at major shows in 2006. Michael is the author of Alpines – An Essential Guide and has raised many new varieties over 30 years.
Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa
You can often spot the plants that grow in the sunny climate of South Africa by their fluorescent colours. Delosperma (Mesembryanthemum family) are one such group of plants that are completely cold hardy and are best grown in a sunny spot with lots of grit in the compost. They’re great for a trough as they flower profusely all summer, and they’re also drought tolerant.
For a wide range of alpines, visit Slack Top Alpine Nursery, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, www.slacktopnurseries.co.uk, Tel: 01422 845348.