Alpine Plant Lucky Dip Collection

• For maximum impact and to enable you to control the watering, Alpines are best grown in a trough or an old Belfast sink - allowing you to get up close and personal with the wonderful flowers.
• If you’re planting in a Belfast sink, tilt it slightly so that any excess water drains out of the plughole, before top dressing with ornamental gravel to allow the flower and leaf colour to look as impressive as possible.

Planting Advice for Alpine plants:

• If planting in a border, spread a two-inch layer of grit on top of the soil and dig it into the top six inches to improve drainage.
• Dig a hole roughly the same diameter as the pot your Alpine is in.
• Remove the plant from its pot and tease apart any roots that are spiralling.
• Lower the plant into the hole and backfill with the original soil, gently firming it around the plant.
• If you’re growing in a container, ensure that the container has adequate holes for drainage. Most Alpine varieties like a neutral or slightly alkaline-based soil.
• Add a well-draining compost mix and plant as above.
• A layer of coarse gravel on top of the soil will help prevent the neck of the plant from getting too damp. Water well once planted.

Aftercare Advice:

• Once you’ve planted your Alpine, water it thoroughly.
• Remove or trim any dead leaves in autumn.
• Move the container in winter to an area that’s in a ‘rain shadow’, therefore is saved from excessive rainfall.