This is a fantastic, mat-forming evergreen perennial with small, soft grey-green leaves that are hairy to minimise water loss from the leaf surface, making it drought tolerant.
It produces an abundance of single, four-petalled, deep reddish-purple flowers which are held in short terminal spikes and clothe the entire plant from April to May. Although it has always traditionally been used in the rock garden, it is just at home at the front of a mixed border or in a hanging basket along with other, less hardy basket plants.
It also looks stunning when allowed to cascade over low walls or other obstacles in the garden and is invaluable for adding colour to the spring garden.
OFFER: All £2.99 Alpines in 9cm pot only £2.49 each when you buy 5 or more.
Buying Alpines from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries we lightly trim back our alpines after flowering to ensure that the plants remain neat and tidy whilst in the pot. The more tender the plant the less we cut back to help protect exposed stems from winter frost. Depending on the plant variety we will then prune back further in spring once the risk of the more severe frosts is over.
As a result, depending on the time of year you buy alpines, they may not look like images showing their ‘prime time’ in flower and looking at their best.
From late autumn onwards and dependant on variety, there may be very little visible above the soil except for a few cut back dormant leaves or stems. It is perfectly normal for dormant plants to look like this from autumn onwards, they will however burst back into life in spring.
Alpines are a group of perennials that generally grow in rocky conditions at high altitudes.
As for all plants, soil preparation is time well spent. Dig over the area to be planted ensuring that the ground is free draining. If not then you may wish to either consider planting in a different spot or raising the level of the planting area by adding additional topsoil, well rotted garden compost and/or well rotted manure. Add ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ fertiliser or a high potash fertiliser to encourage good root growth and development.
It’s always a good idea to plant a few of the same plant together, we recommend planting in 3’s or 5’s to provide a bold effect but allowing them plenty of room to develop.
By using this simple guide and a little time, alpines can make an absolutely spectacular difference to your garden.
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