Growing guide

How to grow alpines

Alpines are charming little plants, with flowers in various vibrant colours, often produced in generous profusion. They come originally from mountainous regions, so are cold hardy. They're easy to grow too, as long as you use a sharply draining compost and don't overwater them.

Their compact size makes them ideal for small gardens and containers, and they’re readily available in great diversity, so it’s easy to gather quite a collection.

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Quick facts

  • Many are easy to grow and low maintenance
  • Compact plants that live for several years
  • Most are hardy, but dislike consistently damp soil
  • Flower prolifically, at various times of year
  • Most like free-draining soil and sun
  • Best to plant in spring or autumn
  • Make new plants usually by division 

All you need to know

Before you get started
Planting
Ongoing care
Pruning and training
Propagating
Problems
While we think all this information will be helpful to you, we always recommend to read the instruction labels on your plants.

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.