Alpine and Rock Garden Plants

Rock garden plants are generally low growing, drought tolerant and like a free draining soil, however they do differ greatly in climate requirements. Many are form the higher (Alpine) areas, those that are above the tree-line. They also generally require good sunlight, however many will grow naturally in shaded positions.

For those gardeners that do not have large gardens, many rock garden plants are well suited to growing in containers, using an attractive stone bowl or trough is a a popular way of displaying many rock garden plants.

Alpine and Rock Garden Plants in general require good drainage, so if you are looking at constructing a rock garden this is a number one priority. A rock garden should look natural, so the best place to start is with observation of nature, as well as looking at successful rock gardens.

Alpine plants are what they sound like, plants from the higher elevations. Although they come from areas often covered with snow for mush of the year, many species will grow well in warmer climates. 

Rock garden plants are also what they sound like, plants that naturally grow in rocky areas, often poor soil and requiring good drainage. Often , but not always, they have a neat compact mound forming habit.

These two groups of plants are often overlapping, the drainage and rocky soil being the common factor.

Plants such as Trilliums, Saxifraga, Hebe, Daphnes and Cypredium formosanum all fall into the category of Alpine Plants.

The Scottish Rock Garden Club is a great place to start your research as in The North American Rock Garden Society. Try the Rock Garden Club of Prague as well for a great photo gallery.

Some of more free flowering and easier rock garden plants to grow are great for starting out when building a new rock garden.

5 Easy to Grow Rock Garden Plants

1. Alysum
2. Sempervivum
3. Thymus vulgaris
4. Dianthus
5. Sedum

Rock Garden Plants are available for sale form the following nurseries

NUTSHELL PERENNIAL NURSERY and PLANT FARM
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au

PERENNIALLE PLANTS - phone: 0427077798 
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au

TESSELAAR BULBS - Phone: 1300 428 527
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au