Alpine mix

Overview and Features

An Alpine Mix includes a selection of compact, hardy plants adapted to mountainous or rocky environments, known for their drought tolerance, compact growth, and seasonal colour. These plants thrive in gravelly, well-drained soils and are perfect for rock gardens, troughs, raised beds, walls, and containers.

Most alpine mixes feature a variety of species such as Saxifraga, Sempervivum, Sedum, Dianthus, Thymus, Armeria, Aubrieta, and others. Together, they offer a changing tapestry of flowers, textures, and foliage forms throughout the year.

• Low-growing habit – typically 5–20 cm high

• Includes evergreen and deciduous varieties

• Offers flowers from early spring through summer, with some winter interest

• Tolerant of poor soils, wind, and full sun

• Ideal for small spaces, gravel gardens, edging, and containers

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Alpines are easy to care for if their key needs—drainage and sun—are met. They generally dislike rich, heavy soils and benefit from low-input care.

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrive in full sun, which promotes compact growth and flowering

  • Some varieties tolerate light shade, especially in hot summers

• Soil Preferences:

  • Require well-drained, gritty soil

  • Ideal mix: loam or sandy soil with added grit or gravel

  • Avoid clay or moisture-retentive soil—consider raised beds or containers

• Watering:

  • Water moderately during dry spells, especially in the first year

  • Mature alpines are drought-tolerant

  • Avoid overwatering, especially in winter—wet roots are a common cause of failure

• Feeding:

  • Minimal feeding required

  • Use a dilute balanced fertiliser in spring if needed, or a slow-release type

  • Do not overfeed—too much nitrogen encourages lush, floppy growth

• Pruning and Grooming:

  • Deadhead to encourage repeat flowering and tidy appearance

  • Remove any moss, weeds, or debris that may smother plants

  • Trim leggy or spent growth after flowering in summer

Display and Planting Ideas

An Alpine Mix provides excellent texture and seasonal colour in small-scale or low-maintenance settings.

• Best Uses:

  • Rock gardens and scree beds

  • Troughs, bowls, and window boxes

  • Wall crevices, path edging, or between paving stones

  • Ideal for courtyard gardens, gravel gardens, or dry borders

• Design Tips:

  • Group different species with similar needs for best results

  • Use rocks, gravel, or broken slate to provide drainage and mimic natural habitat

  • Include evergreens for year-round structure, interspersed with flowering types

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with small ornamental grasses, dwarf conifers, and miniature bulbs

  • Avoid mixing with vigorous or tall plants that may outcompete alpines

Additional Notes

• Hardiness:

  • Most alpine species are fully hardy (RHS H5–H7)

  • Provide some winter protection in containers during prolonged wet or freezing conditions

• Pests and Problems:

  • Generally trouble-free

  • Watch for slugs or vine weevils in pots

  • Ensure good airflow and avoid overcrowding to reduce fungal issues

• Tips for Containers and Troughs:

  • Use terracotta or stone pots with drainage holes

  • Fill with gritty alpine compost (50% compost, 50% grit/gravel)

  • Top dress with fine gravel to keep leaves dry and suppress weeds

• Size
  P14

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.