Adonis vernalis a wonderful Alpine PlantAlpine Plants For Sale in the UK

Alpine Plants are those that grow on higher slopes and foothills, however specialist nurseries carry a large range of desirable plants for sale which are well suited to in rockeries, rock gardens and troughs in garden situations.

In England many types of alpine plants are suited to full sun, and many are found growing in open rockeries, while others prefer shade. One of the best yellow frlowering Alpines is Adonis vernalis, pictured right, Geum reptans or 'Creeping Avens' is another great example.

The UK is fortunate in having some of the top Alpine Plant Nurseries in the world. We list Online, Mail Order and Specialist Nurseries.

What are alpine plants ?

Classified by botanists as plants that grow above the tree line, in an Alpine climate, up to the (permanent) snow line, or to the highest elevation.

So the actual height at which they grow varies greatly depending on where you are located. Alpine plants vary greatly with 1000s of species being classified.

However, plants that grow in the valleys of high mountain ranges are often regarded as Alpines .

Many are also called 'rock garden' plants, and it is true that a lot of them do grow in rocky or stony areas high in the mountain, however many grow in open fields as well.

How to grow alpine plants

Growing many species that fit the category is not difficult if you remember a few basics related to mimicking the natural environment as much as is possible.

Good drainage is a feature of many alpine environments so this is essential. But remember that good drainage does not mean 'dry'.

Also consider that in many alpine areas tree coverage in minimal, however temperatures are also lower, so good morning sun, protection from hot sun if you happen to live in such an area, and some late afternoon sun.

Rock gardens are an excellent place to grow alpine plants. Containers can work well and a good layer of grit to keep slugs away is a help.

Alpines and rockery plants generally require well drained and an open position away from trees.

A layer of grit on the surface helps drainage and deters slugs. Troughs are another favourite way to deal with these plants, and lightweight troughs are the way to go.

Best Alpine Plants for Shade and Semi Shade

Best Alpine Plants for Sun

You may also be interested in

Alpine Plants for sale online from specialist growers and nurseries

MINIATURE BULBS & WILDFLOWER BULBS - Phone/Fax: 01423 542819
9 Greengate Drive, Knaresborough, HG5 9EN
Alpine Bulbs - Rare and unusual spring flowering bulbs, specie and hybrids for the rock garden or alpine house. Mail order spring bulb specialists.

KEVOCK GARDEN PLANTS - Telephone/Fax: 0131 454 0660
Postal Address: 16 Kevock Road, Lasswade, Midlothian EH18 1HT
Scottish nursery with unusual alpine, bog, woodland and herbaceous plants, shrubs and bulbs. We send plants by mail order throughout Europe.

CRAIGIEHALL NURSERY
Craigiehall Nursery, Carnwath, Lanark. ML11 8LH
Specialist nursery producing hardy, Scottish-grown alpine and rockery plants. Buy plants online.

PENLAN PERENNIALS
Wern Rhos Newchapel Boncath SA37 0EN - Tel/Fax 01239 842260

SOUTHWEST ALPINES - 01458 860653 E-mail tadhamalpines@aol.com
Tadham moor Blakeway Wedmore Somerset BS28 4UF

SLACK TOP ALPINE NURSERY & GARDEN - Phone: 01422 845348
1 Waterloo House, 24 Slack Top, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire HX7 7HA

EDROM NURSERIES - Telephone 018907 71386
Coldingham Eyemouth Berwickshire TD14 5TZ

THE ALPINE AND GRASS NURSERY - Tel: 01775 640935
Northgate, Pinchbeck Spalding Lincolnshire PE11 3TB