The
Evergreen Perennial Gallery and
Herbaceous Perennial Gallery and RHS Wisley Herbaceous Gallery compare colour photographs of some of the following alpines, where the Text Background of the Perennial Name in the Perennial Index Table on the right of the page is blue.
The Rock Garden Plants Suitable for Small Gardens Colour Wheel provides cultivation details for many more alpine plants than on this page.

The Alpine Garden Society Encyclopedia of Alpines Volume One (A-K) (ISBN 0-900048-61-1) and Volume Two (ISBN 0-900048-62-X) or (ISBN for Complete Work 0-900048-63-8) by Kenneth Beckett describes just under 1000 genera of alpines known to be in cultivation, or to have been in cultivation, from the world's mountain flora. As the standard reference it now relaces The English Rock Garden (1919) by Reginald Farrer and The Present Day Rock Garden (1937) by Sampson Clay.

"What is an alpine plant?

Technically and from a botanical perspective alpine plants are those which grow above the tree line in mountain regions of the world in what are called subalpine and alpine zones; this includes species found at low altitudes in severe climates devoid of trees such as the Arctic and Antarctic. From a horticultural point of view, however, this definition is extended to include many other small flowering plants and ferns from low altitudes, whether from the seashore, marsh or woodland. 'Alpine' and 'rock garden' are frequently used to encompass this wide spectrum of different plants. In reality any small plant suitable for growing on the rock garden, scree, raised bed or in a trough in the open garden, as well as a great range of others more easily grown within the confines of an unhearted glasshouse or cold frame, are included in the above books and within the definition of 'alpine'.

By general agreement, rock and alpine plants are thought to be small, often with a hummock, mat or tufted habit and often less than 1-1.3 feet tall. However anyone who has visited a mountain region will know that not all plants seen there necessarily fit into this handy definition. In general 2 feet in height and 3.25 feet spread has been taken as the maximum, but at the same time some potentially larger plants are included.

Thus the alpine gardener cultivates a wide range of plants from true alpine and rock adapted species to small shrubs, a great range of woodland species, dwarf ferns and a myriad different types of bulbous plants."

Although there is a few plants with their plant description pages in the Odds and Sods , I have decided to put the rest into the other Galleries and note in their page that they are an alpine.

For further information consult the Alpine Garden Society

.

Evergreen Alpine

Plant Name

with link to mail-order nursery in
UK and then America

Height x Spread in inches (cms)
Plants below 24 inches (60 cms) in Height

Flower Colour

Flower Months
in UK

Evergreen - Of plants that retain their foliage for more than one growing season; semi-evergreen plants retain only a small proportion of their leaves for more than one season.
 

Alyssum wulfenianum
Andromeda polifolia 'Alba'
Antennaria dioica rosea
Anthyllis montana
Arabis caucasica 'Variegata'
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Asarina procumbens
Aubretia x cultorum
'Argeneovariegata'
...
Aurinia saxatilis 'Citrina'
Campanula 'Birch Hybrid'
Celmisia walkeri
Daphne arbuscula
Daphne blagayana
Daphne cneorum
Dionysia involucrata
Erigeron karvinskianus
Euphorbia myrsinites
Euryops acraeus
Gaultheria procumbens
Genista pilosa 'Procumbens'
Gentiana verna
Helianthemum apenninum
Helianthemum 'Rhodanthe Carneum'
Helianthemum 'Wisley
Primrose'
Iberis sempervirens
'Snowflake'
Linnaea borealis
Lithodora diffusa
'Heavenly Blue'
Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'
....
Omphalodes cappadocica
Penstemon rupicola
Phyllodoce caerulea
Phyllodoce empetriformis
Rhodanthemum hosmariense
Sedum rupestre
Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco'
Verbascum dumulosum
 

6 x 18 (15 x 45)
16 x 24 (40 x 60)
2 x 18 (5 x 45)
12 x 24 (30 x 60)
6 x 18 (15 x 45)
4 x 20 (10 x 50)
2 x 24 (5 x 60)
2 x 24
(5 x 60)
...
8 x 12 (20 x 30)
4 x 20 (10 x 50)
12 x 12 (30 x 30)
10 x 18 (25 x 45)
16 x 36 (40 x 90)
6 x 72 (15 x 180)
3 x 4 (7 x 10)
12 x 36 (30 x 90)
4 x 12 (10 x 30)
12 x 12 (30 x 30)
4 x 12 (10 x 30)
8 x 36 (20 x 90)
1 x 4 (2 x 10)
16 x 24 (40 x 60)
12 x 18 (30 x 45)
...
12 x 18 (30 x 45)
...
8 x 18 (20 x 45)
...
3 x 36 (7 x 90)
6 x 24 (15 x 60)
...
2 x indefinite
(5 x indefinite)
10 x 16 (25 x 40)
4 x 18 (10 x 45)
9 x 12 (23 x 30)
12 x 16 (30 x 40)
6 x 12 (15 x 30)
4 x 24 (10 x 60)
4 x 24 (10 x 60)
...
10 x 16 (25 x 40)
 

Yellow
White
Pink
Pink
White
Pink
Yellow
Pink, Violet, White or Blue
Lemon
Blue
White
Pink
White
Pink
Violet
White
Yellow
Yellow
White
Yellow
Blue
White
Pink
...
Lemon
...
White
...
Pink
Blue
...
Yellow
...
Blue
Pink
Purple
Pink
White
Yellow
Yellow
...
Yellow

Apr-May
May-Jun
May-Jun
May-Jul
Mar-Jun
Apr-Jun
Jun-Aug
Mar-May
...
...
May
May
Jun
May-Jun
Apr-May
Apr-May
Mar-Apr
Jun-Aug
Apr-May
Jun
Jul-Aug
Jun-Aug
May-Jun
May-Jul
Jun-Aug
...
Apr-Jul
...
Mar-Jun
...
Jun-Jul
May-Aug
...
Jun-Aug
...
Mar-Jul
May
Jun-Aug
Jun-Aug
Jun-Aug
Jul-Aug
Jul-Aug
...
Jun

Evergreen Alpine

Plant Name

Height x Spread in inches (cms)
Plants between 24 and 72 inches (60 - 180 cms) in Height

Flower
Colour

Flower Months
in UK

Alpine - A plant that grows above the tree line in mountainous regions; loosely applied to rock garden plants that may be grown at relatively low altitudes.

Campanula portenschlagiana

72 x 24 (180 x 60)
 

Purple

Jul-Aug

The Rock Garden Plants Suitable for Small Gardens Colour Wheel provides cultivation details for many more alpine plants than on this page.

Height in inches (cms):-

25.4mm = 1 inch
304.8mm = 12 inches
12 inches = 1 foot
3 feet = 1 yard
914.4mm = 1 yard

I normally round this to
300mm = 1 foot,
900 mm = 3 feet and
1000mm = 40 inches

Deciduous/Herbaceous Alpine

Plant Name

Height x Spread in inches (cms)
Plants below 24 inches (60 cms) in Height

Flower
Colour

Flower Months
in UK

Deciduous - Of plants that shed leaves at the end of the growing season and renew them at the beginning of the next: semi-deciduous plants lose only some of their leaves at the end of the growing season.

Aster alpinus
Clematis marmoraria
Cornus canadensis
Dianthus erinaceus
Dianthus gratianopolitanus
Hypericum ceraistoides
Phlox stolonifera
Veronica peduncularis
('Georgia Blue' is the variety most often sold)

10 x 18 (25 x 45)
6 x 8 (15 x 20)
5 x 12 (12 x 30)
2 x 26 (5 x 65)
6 x 16 (25 x 40)
6 x 17 (25 x 42)
6 x 12 (15 x 30)
4 x 24 (10 x 60)
 

Blue
White
White
Pink
Pink
Yellow
Purple
Blue

May-Jun
Mar-May
May-Aug
Jun-Aug
May-Jun
May-Jul
Jul-Sep
Apr

Deciduous/Herbaceous Alpine

Plant Name

Height x Spread in inches (cms)
Plants between 24 and 72 inches (60 - 180 cms) in Height

Flower
Colour

Flower Months
in UK

Herbaceous - A non-woody plant in which the upper parts die down to a rootstock at the end of the growing season. It is chiefly applied to perennials, although botanically it also applies to annuals and biennials.

Daphne alpina
 

24 x 24 (60 x 60)
 

White

May-Jun

INDEX OF EVERGREEN PERENNIAL GALLERY

INDEX OF HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL GALLERY

Height in inches (cms):-

25.4mm = 1 inch
304.8mm = 12 inches
12 inches = 1 foot
3 feet = 1 yard
914.4mm = 1 yard

I normally round this to
25mm = 1 inch
300mm = 30 cms = 12 inches =1 foot,
900 mm = 3 feet = 1 yard and
1000mm = 100 cms = 1 metre = 40 inches

This table has been copied from
Ivydene Gardens Plants:
Plant Pruning

Pruning of
Woody Plants in Groups 1 - 13 and Herbaceous Perennials in Group 14 with Ferns in Group 15 and Evergreen Perennials in Group 16.

The aim of formative pruning of a new plant is to produce a balanced framework of sturdy, well-spaced branches that permit maximum light and air to reach the entire plant. Most evergreen trees and shrubs require little formative pruning, but may need light shaping after planting (plant in Autumn) in Spring, to ensure balanced growth. Formative pruning of deciduous trees/shrubs should be carried out in the dormant season (most deciduous trees/shrubs have lost their leaves by January and do not grow new ones before March), either at or soon after planting in the Autumn. If a young shrub does not have a balanced framework, cut off the sideshoots of the main stems, then select 4 or 5 of the strongest, most evenly spaced main stems from the resulting growth to form the new framework, and cut out the rest. Some plants from pruning group 1 need only minimal pruning; these include slow-growing shrubs with an intricate, ornamental branch structure whose appearance is easily spoiled by cutting back.

Some old or overgrown shrubs - such as those that produce new shoots from the base or from old wood - may be rejuvenated by hard pruning. Renovate deciduous shrubs after flowering or when dormant in January, and evergreen shrubs in mid-Spring. Cut back up to one-third of the oldest stems close to the base. Of those that remain, cut out the weak or dead wood, then rubbing, crossing or congested stems and finally shorten the oldest by half to strong buds. Repeat the following year, cutting back the remaining old main stems.

For pruning of plants after their first year from planting in your garden; begin by removing dead, damaged or diseased wood, and then crossing shoots. If the 'normal' branch is horizontal, then cut out the vertical crossing branch. If the 'normal branch is vertical, then cut out the horizontal crossing branch. Remember to see whether the crossing branch you take out will affect the overall shape of the plant less than the other one - to make sure that you do not destroy the 'normal' shape of the plant. Then follow the respective pruning action for the Pruning Group for that plant in the following table:-

Pruning Group Number

Type of Plant

Pruning Action

When

1. e.g. Acer palmatum

Evergreen and deciduous trees/shrubs that flower on previous or current year's growth and need minimal pruning

Remove crossing shoots to maintain framework.

In late winter or early Spring, when dormant; some in late summer or early autumn to prevent sap bleeding.

2. e.g. Forsythia

Deciduous Shrubs that flower in Spring or early Summer on previous year's growth

Cut back flowered shoots to strong buds or young lower or basal growth. On established plants, cut back about 1/4 of old shoots to the base, to promote replacement growth.

Annually, after flowering.

3. e.g. Kerria

Deciduous shrubs that flower in Spring or early Summer on previous year's growth, and produce new growth at or near ground level.

Cut back flowered shoots to young sideshoots or to strong buds low down on branch framework, to encourage new growth.

Annually, after flowering

4. e.g. Hydrangea macrophylla

Deciduous shrubs that flower in mid to late Summer or Autumn on previous year's growth.

Trim off last season's flowerheads to the first bud beneath each flowerhead. With established plants, cut back about 1/4 of old shoots to the base, to promote replacement growth.

Annually, from early to mid-Spring.

5. e.g. Prunus triloba

Deciduous shrubs that flower between late Winter and early Spring on previous year's growth.

Cut back all stems to strong buds or to developing shoots close to the base of the plant, to promote replacement growth.

Annually, after flowering

6. e.g. Buddleja davidii

Deciduous shrubs that flower in mid to late Summer or Autumn on current year's growth.

Cut back to low permanent framework. For Sub-Shrubs, and for drastic renovation, cut back all flowered stems close to the base.

Annually, as buds begin to swell in early spring.

7. e.g. Cornus alba

Deciduous trees and shrubs that, when pruned hard, produce colourful winter stems, or large or brightly hued foliage, as ornamental features. Plants that flower on previous year's wood do not bloom if pruned this way.

Cut back all stems to within 2 or 3 buds of the base, or to the permanent framework. Feed or apply well-rotted farmyard manure, and mulch to compensate for loss of wood.

Annually, in early Spring.

8. e.g. Camellia, Rhododendron

Evergreen shrubs that flower between Winter and early Summer on previous or current year's growth, and need minimal pruning.

Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Dead-head regularly if practical (unless fruit is required).

Annually, after flowering. Remove dead and damaged growth in mid-Spring.

9. e.g. Eucryphia

Evergreen shrubs that flower between mid-Summer and late Autumn on previous or current year's growth, or that bear insignificant flowers, and that need minimal pruning.

Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Shrubs grown for foliage often tolerate harder pruning. Dead-head regularly if practical (unless fruit is required).

Annually, or as necessary, from mid to late Spring.

10. e.g. Calluna, Erica, Lavandula

Evergreen shrubs that flower on previous year's growth in Spring or early Summer, or on current year's growth in late Summer or Autumn. (Tree heathers require only minimal pruning).

Cut back flowered shoots to within 1" (2.5cm) of previous year's growth.

Annually:

• after flowering, if flowering on previous year's growth.
• in early or mid-Spring, if flowering on current year's growth.

11. e.g. Akebia, Clematis montana

Vigorous, deciduous and evergreen climbers that flower on previous or current year's growth, and need no regular pruning.

Trim to fit available space; carry out renovation pruning as needed

Annually, or as needed:

• after flowering, if flowering on previous year's growth.
• in late Winter or early Spring, if flowering on current year's growth.

12. e.g. Solanum crispum

Less vigourous, deciduous and evergreen climbers that flower on previous or current year's growth.

"Spur prune" by cutting back side-shoots to within 4 buds of it's main stem. Thin out overcrowded shoots by unravelling every branch onto the ground. Then, retie the main branches to its support - this could be chainlink fencing from 24 to 60 inches (60-150 cms) with twine not with plastic, metal or rubber. Then starting at the base, inspect each sub-branch and tie it to the climber support. Then tie the next one if there is room; if not cut it back to within 4 buds of its connection to its parent branch. And carry on up that sub-branch, until all its sub-branches have been dealt with. Then repeat the process on the next main branch system, until all the branch structure has been retied. You will end up with a lot more flowers and a better looking climber. This complete process may well need to be done every 2 or 3 years, so that you do not end up with a thick mass of twigs and a leafy climber on the outside after 4 to 5 years.

Annually:

• after flowering, if flowering on previous year's growth.
• in late Winter or early Spring, if flowering on current year's growth.

13. e.g. Ceanothus

Wall trained, deciduous and evergreen shrubs that flower on previous or current year's growth.

Cut back flowered shoots to within 4 buds of permanent framework. Trim outward-facing shoots and those growing towards the wall.

Annually:

• after flowering, if flowering on previous year's growth.
• in late Winter or early Spring, if flowering on current year's growth.

14. e.g.

Herbaceous perennials.

Apply top dressing of bone meal.

The plants produce vigorous shoots. When the plant is one-third of its final height, pinch out the weak shoots.

Cut shoots down to the base, and remove dead and faded growth and weeds. Divide perennials every 4 years to maintain vigour and replant the divided portions elsewhere in the garden. To appreciate grasses and other plants during the Winter, delay cutting and mulching until early Spring. Apply a 4 inch deep mulch of organic matter such as Spent Mushroom Compost or Bark.

Apply bone meal in early Spring after rain.

Each Spring

Every Autumn

15. e.g.

Ferns

Remove old fronds. Divide every 4 years to maintain vigour. Apply top dressing of bone meal and apply a 4 inch deep mulch of organic matter such as Spent Mushroom Compost or Bark.

Each Spring

16. e.g.

Evergreen perennials

Apply top dressing of bone meal.

Remove dead and faded growth and weeds. Divide perennials every 4 years to maintain vigour and replant the divided portions elsewhere in the garden. To appreciate grasses and other plants during the Winter, delay cutting and mulching until early Spring. Apply a 4 inch deep mulch of organic matter such as Spent Mushroom Compost or Bark.

Apply bone meal in early Spring after rain.
Every Autumn

17. e.g. Bamboo