True alpines are classed by botanists as plants which grow between the permanent snow line and the limit of conifer tree growth. Around the world the equivalent of this area is found at sea level regions and above 6000 feet in other parts. Alpines are adaptable for survival in extreme conditions.

For many months of the year the alpine plants are protected by a deep layer of crisp snow which keeps them dry and at a constant, low temperature, but not nearly as low as the air temperature above the snow. In spring these alpine plants receive copious amounts of moisture as the snow melts and they make rapid growth.

Alpines need a well drained soil and are usually planted on rockeries, mounds or in walls.

Another point to remember is that some alpines are lime-haters and will perish where lime is present.

There are many plants used as alpines, which originate from dwarf hardy perennials, these are usually easier to grow and do not need such specialist conditions as the true alpines while still give an extremely good show of colour.

Cultivation

To ensure that alpine plants will flourish in your garden it is obvious that you must do your best to provide conditions like good drainage, a fertile but not too rich soil as all these plants nee only the minimum amount of nutrients.

Another method of growing alpines is to use a specially built alpine greenhouse, where the plants are grown on benches. Growing alpines in this way you can give each variety separate cultural needs, but the greenhouse MUST be very well ventilated by using not only roof ventilators but side louvre vents every 2ft. or so along the side of your greenhouse, these are usually placed just above the bench if you are growing on benches, or at ground level if growing on the floor of your greenhouse.

Shading of the alpine house will be necessary during the hot spring, summer and autumn days

Using a greenhouse to grow alpines, is quite a different purpose from most other types of greenhouse plants, because all you are doing is protecting the alpines from the extremes of the British weather.

As mentioned above, if all you want is some dwarf alpine plants for you boarders, then the hardy perennial types could well suffice, these are offered in a wide variety and colour range.