What plants to plant on an alpine hill and rock garden. Alpine slide: choice of colors
Selecting plants for alpine slide- an exciting and painstaking activity. Of course you can use ready-made diagrams, which are published in abundance in gardening magazines or on the Internet, but it is much more interesting to study and understand for yourself the features of growing future inhabitants of the rock garden. After all, who but you knows what microclimate is on your site, or what kind of soil you can actually provide for your plants. An alpine hill is not a flower bed with annuals, which can be easily moved or the composition of flowers on it can be radically changed. A rock garden is a rather complex object in garden design; its life is designed for more than one season, so you need to approach the process of selecting an assortment for it carefully and competently. Otherwise, all sorts of alterations and plant death cannot be avoided.
The ideal plants for an alpine hill are low-growing and slow-growing ones. woody plants(, cinquefoil, various conifers) and ground cover or cushion-shaped forms of herbaceous perennials, forming picturesque mats and curtains among stones. It could be like flowering species, and decorative deciduous.
Woody and relatively tall herbaceous plants are planted first, placing them either in the background of the hill or at its base. Such plants look most harmonious next to large boulders; try to avoid possible symmetry when planting. Low perennials that form picturesque clumps are planted both at the base and closer to the top of the hill, visually separating them with taller plant forms and stones.
Since usually the assortment of plants for an alpine hill includes slow-growing species, at the first stage the appearance of many bald spots between plants is inevitable; at first, you can fill the empty spaces with annuals that provide a minimum of self-seeding. These include large-flowered purslane, low-growing marigolds, gatsania, graceful gypsophila, marine lobularia, lobelia erinus - all of these annuals are sun-loving and drought-resistant plants, so they will easily “fit into the team.”
When planting any varieties and species nearby, it is necessary to take into account the “common interests” - they must be combined with each other not only in appearance (height, texture, color of flowers and leaves), but also coincide in the rhythm of flowering, rates of development and growth, similarity of conditions for growing.
The top of the alpine hill
Upper tiers of the alpine slide as a rule, they are more open to sunlight than others, but less moisture is retained there than in other areas. Therefore, only sun-loving and drought-resistant plant species are planted there.
A real decoration for the top of the slide can be Iberis evergreen(Iberis sempervirens), its most beautiful variety 'Weisser Zwerg' is one of the shortest representatives of its species - no more than 8-10 cm in height, white clumps of Iberis, blooming in May-June, will envelop the top as if in a blanket of snow.
Iberis evergreen
If you have the opportunity to get fresh seeds (they germinate better) common lumbago(Pulsatilla vulgaris), then do it, because it will give your alpine hill a special charm and even some mystery. The plant has silvery pubescence, and large purple flowers usually appear in April. However, today on the flower market you can find both red and white flowers, and there are even double varieties. The lumbago must be planted immediately in a permanent place, as it gets very sick during transplantation and may even die.
In addition to the lumbago and chistets, there are also many cute “Alpines” in noble silvery shades, such as the fluffy tender wormwood Schmidt(Artemisia schmidtiana) or Anaphalis three-veined
Wormwood Schmidt
Anaphalis three-veined
Will add bright rich colors to the rock garden alpine aster(Aster alpinus), blooming with large daisies of different shades. And there is no shortage of grace and elegance (Armeria maritima), which forms dense curtains of narrow leaves, from which in June long thin peduncles with pink balls of inflorescences appear.
Western and eastern slopes of the alpine hill They no longer receive as much sun as the southern middle and upper tiers. Here the planting pockets are filled with turf-crushed soil with a fair amount of humus.
There is a huge variety of varieties Heuchera Which ones to plant depends on your personal preferences and overall color scheme. After all, it is the leaves of the most bizarre colors that are the main decoration of the heuchera, and its modest flowers only add gloss to its already spectacular appearance.
For those who like to struggle with difficulties, we can advise planting a fastidious gentian (Gentiana) with its amazing pure blue color, which, although it will add more worries to you, but in case of “successful cooperation” will pay you back amazingly beautiful flowering. To help it settle better on your hill, dig a large stone next to the place where it is planted - it will accumulate excess heat from the soil and at the same time retain moisture.
Carpathian bluebell (Campanula carpatica) not as capricious as gentian, but quite aggressive and can spread into different sides, if you give him free rein. It's better to put him on western slope– he is not so active there.
Bluebell Carpathian
Dense carpeting gives bryozoan subulate(Sagina subulata), which bears white star-shaped flowers in June-July. Bryozoan is quite moisture-loving, so it is planted closer to the lower tier, where more moisture is retained.
Bryozoan awl-shaped
Don't forget about primroses - primrose(Primula vulgaris), which, depending on the species and variety, can have both different colors and different terms flowering. For primrose, the northeast side will be the most suitable. And it will add pink, soft lilac and purple colors, rare for autumn , the mass planting of which will become a real decoration at the foot of the hill.
Primula vulgare
Colchicum beautiful
For filling north side of the hill Ordinary garden soil, in which most flowers grow, is suitable. Shadow reigns here, so the choice of plants, especially flowering ones, is significantly limited.
Pozharsky's bell(Campanula poscharskyana) is very shade-tolerant, and its bluish-purple flowers “spread” among the stones in fancy rivulets.
Pozharsky's bell
Rezuha Caucasian(Arabis caucasica) and alpine(Arabis alpina) will add light to north facing areas with its profuse white blooms in spring. A Haller's Corydalis (Corydalis halleri) It blooms its light purple, white or pink inflorescences in May, but it is also decorative at other times, as it forms pretty bluish-green thickets of lacy leaves that create a light effect.
Haller's Corydalis
The foot of the alpine hill
Foot of the northern slope can decorate Duchesnea indica(Potentilla indica), which not only flowers yellow flowers, but also decorates itself with berries similar to strawberries. You can also land here creeping tenacious(Ajuga reptans), which is not afraid of shading and blooms profusely.
Duchesnea indica
Creeping tenacious
At the base of the alpine slide Plants that need moist, fertile soil are planted depending on their light preferences.
In terms of light-loving nature, it is an almost universal plant. saxifrage(Saxifraga) and its various species. Saxifraga paniculata(Saxifraga paniculata) forms graceful compact bushes in the form of silvery pads, from which white-pink flowers appear on long peduncles in June. Saxifraga is shady in the fall, and after the first frost it acquires an unusual reddish tint. A soddy saxifrage(Saxifraga umbrosa) produces dense light green clumps that are covered in a dense cloud of pink or white flowers in spring.
Important color accent can be placed at the foot of the hill Liatris spikelet(Liatris spicata), planted on the south side. In July, when the first shaggy spike-shaped inflorescences appear, liatris undoubtedly attracts everyone's attention to the rock garden.
Liatris spikelet
Of course, this is far from a complete range. alpine plants, which can be used in the design of a rock garden, and in the future this list will be expanded. But you can take it as a basis and create your own; in addition, various woody decorative forms suitable for an alpine slide were not considered here, ornamental cereals, bulbous and such a large group of plants as conifers, which means that the conversation is not over.
In our store you can purchase from private collectors and large agricultural firms. On sale there are always seeds of gentians, lumbago, carnations, bells, primroses and other interesting garden (and not only!) species, both introduced into cultivation long ago, and taken out of their habitats and introduced to garden conditions.
This year, a long-awaited structure appeared at our dacha - an alpine slide. Since it was done late, almost before the frosts, the “population” of the plants was postponed until spring. Tell me, what can be planted on an alpine hill? My wife definitely wants at least one coniferous crop, and also flowering bushes.
Alpine slide is a popular element of landscape design, which is increasingly gaining popularity in Lately. It not only decorates the site, but also gives it the most natural look. Various plants, from flowering plants to groundcovers, look very impressive when surrounded by rocks if you choose and combine them correctly. Before deciding what to plant on an alpine hill, you should familiarize yourself with the general recommendations.
Some tips regarding plant placement
First of all, for an alpine hill you should select only those crops that can grow in the local climate. It is better if the flowering plants replace each other, blooming in turn. Particular attention should be paid to low-growing and neighboring flowers. It is important to consider growth rates so that neighboring, higher and fast growing crops, did not suppress compact plantings of “slow” bushes.
When planting perennials, you can place annual flowers in the free space between them - they will hide the empty areas until the perennials grow.
An excellent choice for an alpine hill is dwarf conifers. Their year-round green branches will become the main feature of a rocky flower bed, especially if you combine species with different shades (juniper, thuja, cypress).
In the intervals between the conifers, you can plant low-growing crops or carpet crops.
Principles of tiered filling of a slide with plants
When choosing crops for an alpine hill, it is necessary to take into account the fact that they will not grow on a flat surface, which means they will receive lighting and moisture unevenly. Visually, the slide can be divided into three tiers: top, middle and bottom.
In order for all plantings to have the opportunity to develop, each “floor” should be populated with its own plants, based on the following principles:
There can be a lot of options for creating beautiful compositions, the main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the plants will be cramped. Show your imagination and create your own masterpieces.
When talking about flowers for an alpine hill and flowers for a rock garden, most often they mean the same plants. After all, creating rocky gardens is an art, so there can be no talk of any strict rules here. Most often, both of these concepts mean the same thing. So what flowers are suitable for an alpine hill and all varieties of gardens of this kind? Below you will learn the names of alpine flowers, see their photographs and be able to familiarize yourself with the conditions for growing these plants.
What flowers are suitable for an alpine slide
Iberis, stennik (IBERIS). The cabbage (cruciferous) family.
About 40 species grow in southern Europe. Perennials have entire, lanceolate leaves, white flowers in a dense inflorescence.
Kinds:
(I. saxatiLis) - height 15 cm, rounded bush.
(I. sempervirens) - subshrub, dense, round bush, 25-30 cm high.
Varieties:
"Snowflake"
"Findel"
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with garden soils and limited moisture.
Reproduction. By seeds (sown in spring), seedlings bloom in the second year; stem cuttings(after the end of flowering). Planting density - 16 pcs. per 1 m2.
Kolnik, phyteuma (PHYTEUMA). Campanula family.
Raceme-root perennials from subalpine meadows and forest glades in the mountains of Central Europe. The leaves are in a basal rosette, the flowers are small, bell-shaped, in a dense terminal spike-shaped inflorescence, height 30-40 cm.
Types and varieties:
Kolnik spicata(P. spicatum)- flowers are whitish.
Kolnik Wagner (P. vagneri)- flowers are bright purple.
Growing conditions. Semi-shaded areas with loose neutral soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring), form self-seeding by dividing the bush (in spring and late summer). Planting density - 20 pcs. per 1 m2.
As you can see in the photo, these flowers for alpine hills are used in mixed flower beds and rockeries.
Kupena (POLYGONATUM). Lily of the valley (lily) family.
A large genus (150 species) of forest long-rhizome plants that form thickets in the broad-leaved forests of Eurasia. Two groups of species can be distinguished:
- with an erect stem covered with narrow lanceolate leaves with flowers in their axils;
- the stems are arched with leathery oval leaves and small bell-shaped flowers hanging from the leaf axils. The fruit is a red berry.
Types and varieties:
Kupena whorled(P. verticillatum)- up to 80 cm high, forests of Europe.
Kupena pink(P. roseum)- 30 cm high from mountain forests of Central Asia.
Kupena angustifolia (P. stenophyllum)- 40-50 cm high from the forests of the Far East.
Growing conditions. All species, except (it can grow in a sunny area), grow well in shade and partial shade, on loose, well-drained forest soils.
Reproduction. These types of perennials for the garden are propagated by cuttings of rhizomes with a renewal bud, only at the end of summer. Planting density - 12 pcs. per 1 m2.
Cinquefoil (POTENTILLA). Rosaceae family.
A large genus (about 300 species), including species with different ecologies, but only a few species and varieties of perennials with beautiful trifoliate wintering leaves and bright flowers are grown.
Types and varieties:
White bloodroot (P. alba)- 10 cm high, white flowers, blooms earlier than other species (early May).
Cinquefoil whipweed(P. flagellaris)- 15 cm high, creeping, rooting stems, yellow flowers.
Hybrid cinquefoil (P. x hybrida).
Cinquefoil dark blood red (P. atrosanguinea).
Golden cinquefoil (P. aurea)- height 10 cm.
Cinquefoil Nepalese(P. nepalensis).
Variety "Miss WiLLmott"- 50 cm high, pinkish flowers with a border.
Cinquefoil straight (P. recta)- 40 cm high, yellow flowers.
Varieties with bright flowers:
"Gibson's Scarlet"
"YeLlow Queen."
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with any soil with moderate moisture.
Reproduction. These perennial flowers for alpine hills are propagated by seeds (sown in spring), seedlings bloom in the 2nd year; dividing the bush (in spring, late summer). Planting density - 12-20 pcs. per 1 m2.
Alpine perennial flowers
Linen (LINUM). Flax family.
Large genus (about 250 species), mainly distributed in the Mediterranean. As ornamental plants Only a few species with graceful thin linear leaves and an openwork bush are grown. The flowers are yellow and blue (in perennial species).
Types and varieties:
Flax yellow (L. flavum).
Variety Compactum- 20 cm high, yellow flowers in paniculate inflorescence.
perennial flax (L. perenne)- with blue flowers.
Variety "ALbum"- with whites.
Growing conditions. These plants for alpine hills prefer sunny areas with light, fertile soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sown before winter or spring), seedlings bloom in the 2nd year. By dividing the bush (in spring). Planting density - 16 pcs. per 1 m2.
Lychnis, dawn (LYCHNIS). Clove family.
Bush perennials 40–100 cm high, with a dense root system, numerous erect shoots, lanceolate leaves and large (4–5 cm in diameter) bright flowers in a corymbose inflorescence. The entire plant is pubescent. In nature, these alpine flowers grow widely in meadows and steppes of the temperate zone.
Types and varieties:
Lychnis sparkling (L. fulgens)– flowers are fiery red, shade-tolerant.
Lychnis Chalcedonian (L. chalcedonica)– 100 cm high, flowers in a corymbose inflorescence are fiery red.
Lychnis crowned (L. coronaria)- height 60 cm.
Adonis - crimson flowers with a solid limb and silvery leaves.
Smolka (L. viscaria).
Variety "PLena"- stems are sticky, petals with a whole bend, crimson.
Lychnis Hage (L. x haageana)- a hybrid with orange-red flowers.
Lychnis cuckoo blossom (L. fioscucuii = Coronaria fioscucuii)- pink petals with a deeply divided limb.
Growing conditions. Sunny areas (except for the shade-tolerant L. sparkling). Undemanding to soils. Drought and frost resistant.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring), cuttings (summer), dividing the bush (spring and late summer). Planting density - 9-12 pcs. per 1 m2.
Low species in rockeries and borders, tall species in mixborders and for cutting.
Perennial flowers for alpine hills
(SEMPERVIVUM). Crassulaceae family.
About 40 species and dozens of varieties are known. Homeland - mountains of the Mediterranean. The beauty of the plant is in the leaves (succulent, succulent, of all colors - from light green to red-brown, often gray), collected in a dense rosette (2-15 cm in diameter), above which rises a peduncle with a corymbose inflorescence of small, non-decorative flowers. Many young plants are monocarpic, that is, the faded specimen dies, forming a mass of rosettes-babies.
Types and varieties. Most often, hybrid forms (S. xhybridum) are grown with leaves of all tones and colors:
Rejuvenated Caucasian (S. caucasicum)- leaves are green.
Roofing rejuvenated (S. tectorum)- green leaves, large rosette.
Young offspring (S. soboliferum)- leaves are ciliated with a red tip.
Rejuvenated cobwebby (S.arachnoideum)- the most spectacular species with a rosette of light green curved leaves covered with white hairs, like a cobweb.
Juvenile spherical (S. globiferum)- leaves are pointed and pubescent.
Growing conditions. Rejuvenated - unpretentious plant, grows especially well in sunny areas with poor sandy or rocky soils enriched with lime.
Reproduction. Young with rosettes during the season. Planted in spring, they form numerous stolons in summer with a rosette of leaves at the end. The rosettes take root, and after 2-3 years a closed cover is formed. Planting density - 25-30 pcs. per 1 m2. Juveniles easily hybridize, so it is better to propagate them vegetatively.
In a rockery or in the form of small rugs among bush perennials(liatris, heuchera, etc.), along the border.
Nectaroscordum. Onion family.
A bulbous plant from the shady forests of the South, a large bulbous bulb, a tall stem ending in a spherical umbrella-shaped inflorescence, large, broadly bell-shaped flowers drooping. The leaves are wide, light green.
Types and varieties:
Nectaroscordum dioscorides (N. dioscoridis)- flowers are greenish with red veins.
Nectaroscordum three feet(N. tripedaie)- the flowers are white.
Growing conditions. Shady areas with loose forest soils.
Reproduction. Seeds (sow freshly harvested), baby bulbs. Planting density is single.
Perennials for rock gardens
Oats (AVENA). Poa family (grasses).
Evergreen oats (A. sempervirens)- a densely bushy cereal with narrow leaves and drooping spikelets.
The most decorative variety "Pendula"- tall (up to 80 cm) plants, drooping panicles of spikelets.
Growing conditions. Sunny locations with loose, well-drained alkaline soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring). Planting density is single.
Fescue (FESTUCA). Poa family (grasses).
Perennial rhizomatous grasses growing in meadows, forests and steppes around the world. The leaves are narrow, form a dense bush, the inflorescence is a panicle.
Types and varieties. Numerous species are grown, especially as part of lawns, but in flower beds the following are most often used:
Ash gray fescue(F. giauca).
Variety "SiLberreiher"- height 25 cm.
Amethyst fescue (F. amethystina).
Sheep fescue(F. ovina).
Variety "SoLLing"- bluish leaves 25 cm.
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with any relatively dry soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing before winter) and dividing the bush (in spring and late summer). Planting density - 9 pcs. per 1 m2.
Ozhika (LUZULA). Sitnikov family.
Rhizomatous perennials from European forests. The leaves are grass-like and overwintering. The inflorescence is light, openwork. They form bushes or thickets.
Types and varieties:
Ozhika hairy(L. pilosa)- low (5-10 cm) bush with oval leaves.
Ozhika ozhikovidae(L. luzuloides)- bush 60-70 cm high, leaves narrow, dark green.
Ozhika forest (L. sylvatica)- a thicket 50-60 cm high of light green wide leaves.
In the variety "Marginata" there is a white stripe along the edge.
Ozhika snowy(L. nivea)- 30-45 cm high, with thin leaves.
Growing conditions. Semi-shaded and shady areas under the tree canopy with loose forest soils and leaf litter in the fall.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring), dividing the bush (in spring and late summer). Forms self-seeding. Without dividing and replanting it can grow up to 20 years. Planting density - 9 pcs. per 1 m2.
Plantain (PLANTAGO). Plantain family.
Large plantain (P. major)- tap-root perennial with oval leaves pressed to the ground, in which the veins are clearly visible.
Two varieties are used in floriculture:
"RosuLaris" with a dark green rosette of leaves and an inflorescence - a narrow spike, the shape of the plant is pyramidal, height 23 cm.
"RubrifoLia"- with dark purple leaves, height 30 cm.
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with poor sandy loam or rocky soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring and autumn). Planting density - 25 pcs. per 1 m2.
More names of alpine perennial flowers
Poleska, scylla (SCILLA). Hyacinth (lily) family.
These are small-bulbous plants 20-25 cm high, growing in the forests of Europe and the Mediterranean. All, except P. autumnal, bloom in early spring, and end the growing season at the end of spring. The flowers are graceful, half-open, in a racemose inflorescence, mostly blue.
Kinds:
Autumn woodland (S. autumnalis)- flowers are small, blue.
Poleska two-leaf(S. bifolia)- 12-15 bright blue flowers.
Pushkiniformes woodland (S.puschkinioides)- flowers are gray-blue, open.
Poleska Rosen (S. rosenii)- large lilac flowers with a white spot in the center, similar to cyclamen.
Siberian Poleska (S. sibirica)- occurs more often than other species.
Varieties:
"Roseum".
Growing conditions. They grow in both shade and sun. But the soil must be fertile and loose.
Reproduction. Baby bulbs, seeds (sow freshly harvested). Forms self-seeding. Planting density - 40 pcs. per 1 m2.
Lumbago, sleep-grass (PULSATILLA). Ranunculaceae family.
Herbaceous perennials (25-35 cm high) of dry meadows and steppes of Eurasia. The root is thick, deep, taproot, so plants do not like dividing and replanting. The leaves are split, in a basal rosette, turning orange-red in autumn. The flowers are solitary, large (5-7 cm in diameter), open, silky with pubescence, bloom in spring.
Kinds:
Opened lumbago(P. patens)- purple flowers.
Red lumbago (P. rubra)- flowers drooping, violet-red.
Spring lumbago (P. vernalis)- flowers are white.
Meadow lumbago (P. pratensis)- height 20-30 cm, flowers dark purple.
Common lumbago (P. vulgaris)- purple flowers.
Varieties:
"Papageno"- height 15 cm.
"Rubra"- flowers are bright red.
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with loose sandy soils, do not tolerate stagnant moisture.
Reproduction. Only by seeds (sowing before winter), seedlings bloom in the 2nd year.
Plant in place no older than 2 years; grow in one place for up to 20 years. They don't like transplantation. Planting density -9 pcs. per 1 m2.
Ornithogalum (ORNITHOGALUM). Hyacinth (lily) family.
Types and varieties. IN middle lane Russia is the most promising:
Orchid arcuate(O. arcuatum)- from the forests of the North Caucasus.
Umbrella poultry plant (O. umbellatum)- forests of Europe, 10-25 cm high.
Poultry pyramidal (O. pyramidale)- height 55 cm, non-winter-resistant.
Pontine bird(O. ponticum = O. pyrenaicum)- forests of Crimea, Caucasus, height 75 cm.
Poultry drooping (O. nutans)- height 35 cm, semi-shaded meadows of Western Europe.
Growing conditions. Semi-shaded areas under a sparse tree layer, on rich, well-drained forest soils. It is imperative to preserve tree leaf litter for the winter.
Reproduction. Baby bulbs, seeds (they are sown in the fall, seedlings bloom in the 4-5th year). Planting density - 36 pcs. per 1 m2.
Bladderwort, physochlaina (PHYSOCHLAINE). Solanaceae family.
Physalis bladderwort (P. physaloides)- long-rhizome, spring-flowering perennial from the rocky slopes of the mountains of Siberia and the Far East. Height - 30 cm, dense bush, simple, pubescent leaves, flowers in corymbose inflorescence, lilac. Ephemeroid.
Growing conditions. Open and semi-shaded places with fertile loose soils.
Reproduction. Sections of rhizomes with a renewal bud after the end of flowering. Planting density -16 pcs. per 1 m2.
Perennial plants for rock garden
Navel (ANTHEMIS). Family Asteraceae (Asteraceae).
A large (about 200 species) genus, species of which are found in Europe, Asia and North Africa. Bushes 50-80 cm high from light pinnately dissected leaves and peduncles bearing single large yellow baskets.
Types and varieties:
Dying navel, or yellow-colored (A. tinctoria)- leaves are large, bluish-green.
Variety "Kelwayi" height 70 cm.
Mountain Pupavka (A. montana)- rocky, lower plant.
Marshall-Bieberstein navel(A. marschalliana)- height 25 cm.
Growing conditions. Sunny places with neutral rocky soils. On rich soils it grows and falls out faster. Does not tolerate stagnant moisture.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring), seedlings bloom in the 2nd year, and by dividing the bush (spring and late summer). Transplantation and division after 2-3 years. Planting density - 12 pcs. per 1 m2.
Pushkinia (PUSCHKINIA). Hyacinth (lily) family.
There are two species in the genus, growing in the mountain meadows of the Caucasus and Turkey. These are small bulbous herbs that bloom in early spring and lose their leaves in mid-June (ephemeroids). The flowers are bell-shaped in a dense inflorescence. The bulb forms 2-4 peduncles.
Types and varieties:
Pushkinia hyacinth (P. hyacinthoides)- with pale blue flowers in a dense inflorescence of 12-15 flowers and lanceolate fleshy leaves, along the midrib of the flower there is a bright blue stripe.
Pushkinia prolesciformes (P. scilloides)- differs in a looser inflorescence of blue flowers with a blue stripe, blooms somewhat earlier.
Growing conditions. Sunny places with fertile, not waterlogged, limed soils.
Reproduction. Seeds (sown before winter) and bulbs. They are replanted after 5-7 years, when the “nests” of bulbs grow. Planting density - 25 pcs. per 1 m2.
Equal-carp (ISOPYRUM). Ranunculaceae family.
Basil foliage (I. thalictroides)- long-rhizome, spring-flowering perennial from the forests of the Carpathians. Graceful small flowers cover the ground with a continuous carpet, emphasizing the beauty of the bluish leaves.
Growing conditions. Shady areas under tree canopy on well-drained soils.
Reproduction. Sections of rhizome with renewal bud after the end of flowering. Planting density - 25 pcs. per 1 m2.
, fritillaria (FRITILLARIA). Lily family.
There are about 100 species of bulbous perennials in the genus, but in central Russia only a few representatives of this genus are promising for cultivation, since they are very demanding on soil, have poor resistance to weeds, and in central Russia they often die out in late autumn or early spring.
Types and varieties:
Kamchatka hazel grouse (F. camschatcensis)- 25-30 cm high, a plant of the forest glades of Kamchatka with a whorl of broadly lanceolate leaves and a small, brick-colored flower, grows well in partial shade.
Pale-flowered hazel grouse (F. pallidifbra)- plant of Central Asia, 25-30 cm high, with pale yellow flowers.
Imperial hazel grouse (F. imperialis) - originally from Afghanistan, the largest hazel grouse (height 60-100 cm) with an umbrella-shaped inflorescence of large orange-brown bell-shaped flowers (4-8 cm), a bunch of green leaves rises above the inflorescence.
Russian hazel grouse (F. ruthenica)- 20-40 cm high, dark beet flowers, speckled.
Checkered hazel grouse (F. meleagris)- 30 cm high, dark burgundy flowers with light spots, solitary.
Checkered hazel grouse (F. meLeagroides)- 25-35 cm high, small flowers (3 cm), dark red, drooping stems - both are moisture-loving species.
The last three species are plants of floodplain meadows southern Russia and are quite stable in culture.
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with rich, well-drained soils.
Reproduction. Seeds (sowed before winter), seedlings bloom in the 3-4th year, and bulbs, “nests” are divided once every 4-5 years. Planting density 5-12 pcs. per 1 m2.
Look at the photo of these alpine flowers:
Tall hazel grouse will decorate any mixed flower bed, low ones are planted in rockeries.
Smolevka (SILENE). Clove family.
About 400 species of this genus grow in temperate zone Northern Hemisphere, but mainly in the Mediterranean. Of the perennials, about a dozen species are widely grown in culture, from rocky habitats, with a “cushion” of shoots with silvery leaves and a tap root. They bloom all summer.
Types and varieties:
Smolevka stemless(S. acauLis)– 5-8 cm high, narrow leaves, small flowers.
Smolevka Welsh (S. vaLLe-sia)- height 15 cm.
Smolevka Shafta (S. schafta)- from the rocks of the Caucasus, 10 cm high, large (3 cm), dark pink flowers
Smolevka Primorskaya (S. maritima)- height 15 cm.
Variety "Rosea"- pink flowers.
Variety "Weisskehlchen"- flowers are white.
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with loose, fertile, sufficiently moist soil. Grows well in humid air and soil, without overheating and stagnant moisture.
Reproduction. By seeds (sown in spring), seedlings bloom in the 2nd year. Plant immediately in place (does not like transplanting) with summer cuttings. Planting density - single among stones or 16 pcs. per 1 m2 - to create a carpet in a gravel garden.
Other perennial flowers for rock gardens
Sunflower (HELIANTHEMUM). Cistus family.
Subshrubs from warm, dry regions. Evergreen, with grayish-green lanceolate leaves, flowering profusely and for a long time, forming spectacular “pillows”, they are widely cultivated and have many varieties. The name of these flowers for the alpine slide speaks for itself - sunflowers prefer warmth, light and sun.
Kinds:
Sunflower Apennine (H. apenninum)- yellow flowers.
Sunflower hybrid(H. x hybridum)- the result of crossing with. Apennine and s. coin-leaved, oval leaves, varied flower colors.
Varieties:
"Braungold"
"Cerise Queen"
"Gelbe Perle"
"Pink Double"
"Rubin"
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with rich, loose, lime-enriched soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring) and cuttings (after the end of flowering). Planting density - 12 pcs. per 1 m5.
Soldanella. Primrose family.
Small (5-15 cm) plant from the highlands of Europe. A short, small rhizome, a basal rosette of rounded leathery leaves and bell-shaped flowers with petals fringed along the edge give the plant a unique grace. They bloom in early spring.
Types and varieties:
Soldanella alpine(S. alpina) blooms at the end of April.
Soldanella mountaina(S. montana) blooms at the end of May.
Growing conditions. Slightly shaded places with well-drained acidic soil with the addition of spruce needles and rotted leaves.
Reproduction. By seeds (sown before winter), seedlings bloom in the 2-3rd year, by dividing the bush (late August). Planting density - 16 pcs. per 1 m2.
Asparagus, asparagus (ASPARAGUS). Family Asparagus (lily).
False rough asparagus(A. pseudoscaber)- Asparagus has been cultivated for more than 2000 years as a vegetable, medicinal and ornamental plant. A large plant (height up to 170 cm) with a powerful short rhizome and a deep root system.
Numerous strong stems form a clump. They are covered with numerous scales, in the axils of which there are needle-shaped, soft green branches imitating leaves. The flowers are small, whitish-green, non-decorative. Asparagus is spectacular during the fruiting period, when numerous bright red fruits and berries ripen.
Variety "Spitzenschelier"- height 80 cm.
Growing conditions. Sunny or semi-shaded areas with fertile soils.
Reproduction. By dividing the bush (in spring or late summer), by seeds (sowing before winter). It lives for a long time (up to 20-25 years) without transplantation or division. Planting density - 3 pcs. per 1 m2.
Pike, meadow grass (DESCHAMPSIA). Poa family (grasses).
Soddy pike (D. caespitosa)- a perennial grass from the wet meadows of Europe and Asia. Forms a dense tussock (dense bush) of narrow, hard leaves with sharp edges. Wintering leaves are dark green. In June-July, dense panicles 40-60 cm high appear.
Varieties:
"Goldschleier"- with golden leaves.
"Tautrager"-leaves with white stripes.
Growing conditions. Sunny places with moist soils, tolerates stagnant moisture.
Reproduction. Seeds (sown in spring), young bushes can be divided (in spring and late summer). Old bushes do not divide well. Planting density - 5 pcs. per 1 m2.
Mitella (MITELLA). Saxifraga family.
Low (8-20 cm) perennial with a long thin rhizome, form thickets; stems creeping, hairy; Leaves are heart-shaped, basal. The flowers are reddish-brown.
Types and varieties:
Mitella nude (M. nuda)- from coniferous forests of Siberia.
Mitella bifolia (M. diphylla)- from the forests of North America.
Growing conditions. Shady areas with loose soils.
Reproduction. By dividing the bush and cutting rhizomes in early spring and late summer. Planting density - 20 pcs. per 1 m2.
The lush bloom of annual flowers is amazing, but on alpine hills it is preferable to plant perennial flowers and herbs no higher than 30 cm. There are a number of reasons in favor of low-growing perennials. The main one is the formation of dense clumps (thickets), which give the alpine hill a unique look. The bright spots of the clumps during the flowering period create a semblance of a patchwork quilt. The variegation bends around the curved surface - an effect unique to the rock garden.
What flowers to choose for al
Perennial flowers are easier to care for: nimble perennials clog up crevices that are difficult to reach for weeding with their roots and stems. Weed seeds in the shade of clumps die. The perennial thickets exactly repeat the mosaic of the laid stone, creating a pattern in the form of a cobweb. Over time, multi-stemmed bushes flowering perennials wrap themselves around the entire surface: this is how small inflorescences protect the anthers from contamination. Many alpine plants are pollinated without the participation of insects. It is for this reason that alpine plants have predominantly simple inflorescences. Landscape designers Perennials are valued for the density of inflorescences and flowering duration: from 1.5 to 2.5 months.
An important factor is the fact that perennial flowers of rock gardens do not require a large mass of humus. The development of alpine grasses occurs primarily through photosynthesis. They cannot tolerate shade. Under the stone placers of the rock garden, a drainage layer of sand and crushed stone is laid: stagnation of moisture in the root system leads to rotting of the root system.
Flowers for alpine hills can tolerate drought. However for abundant flowering require systematic watering: once a week. Before opening the buds, pour a solution of nitroamophos onto the moistened clumps. Fertilizers are also applied to faded plants. After flowering, do exactly the same as in the first case: with preliminary moistening of the soil.
A feature of many alpine grasses is their re-blooming at the end of summer. To see the blooming alpine hill again, you need to cut off the seed pods.
Most perennial flowers for alpine hills easily tolerate frosts, but are heavily crushed by snow drifts. In order to preserve the lushness of the thickets, alpine hills are covered with spruce branches for the winter, additionally covered with plastic film or garden non-woven canvas.
An old thickened curtain is poorly ventilated, moisture accumulates in it, and mold grows. Damage is observed in 5-6 year old clumps. Bushes of old herbs are removed, and cuttings are transplanted to a new location. In addition to mold, there are two other diseases in alpine grasses: spotted rust (source: dry leaves of beech trees) and viral diseases(penetrate from uncompacted humus). If the planting and care regime is followed, perennial alpine grasses do not lose their viability for many years.
Perennial flowers for alpine hills germinate well from last year's seeds. 1.5 - 2 months before planting, the seedling is grown in a tray with leaf soil. In the summer, a seedling can be grown from a stem in a container with water, hidden from direct sun rays. Within 20 days, white roots appear on the cut. Before planting in open ground, the seedling is grown in an enriched mixture for two weeks. It is much faster to grow a bush from cuttings. A long stem with roots is grown in the ground and watered every day.
Perennial flowers for the alpine hill are sometimes given intricate names, although the family of flowering alpine plants has no more than 20 main species (for temperate latitudes). All the immense variety of colors offered is achieved through selection work. Tall varieties are crossed with short ones. Added paniculate forms. Often the same variety is called differently. An example of this is carnation subulate. It may be offered for sale as “needle-shaped”. The names of dwarf carnations for rock gardens reflect the selective crossing of Turkish bearded carnation(Dianthus barbatus) with low-growing Siberian (Dianthus acicularis Fisch. ex Link). The name of the variety can reflect both the first and second sources. Another example is the versatility of thyme. In addition to differences in the shape of the inflorescences of varietal and wild thymes, there is diversity in the leaf part. Thymes have been bred with small, enlarged, yellow and orange leaves with outlines around the edges. There are even pubescent thymes. The full botanical name includes the name of the species, place of growth in nature and the name of the variety given by the author-breeder. Initially, sparse alpine vegetation descended from the mountains into the gardens and changed beyond recognition.
Photos and names of flowers for the alpine slide
The most popular perennial for alpine hills is aubrieta (Aubrieta Adans). Cabbage cruciferous. Grows in the mountains of the Middle East and the Balkans. Another name is obriecia. It blooms in a pink, purple, blue or red dense carpet. After flowering, the shoots turn into something like wilted moss. To avoid a sloppy appearance in rock gardens, the plant is cut off and thus forced to bloom again.
Cirrus plumata (Diantus plumaris) is a fragrant hybrid with strongly dissected petals. The Albus variety is white-flowering. The variety mixture “Swarm of Butterflies”, obtained by crossing the lush European carnation and the curvilinear sandy carnation, is recognizable by its petals in the form of moth antennae. Includes orange, purple, two-color varieties. Dianthus pinnata (Hungarian) has been used as a cultivated plant since pre-Christian times. The inflorescences are dense, up to 3 cm in diameter. Blooms red, purple, pink. There are lilac and grayish-blue varieties. Siberian carnations can be recognized by their slender stems and bell-shaped inflorescences. Prized for its rich ruby color.
Begonia everblooming
Begonia semperflorens is a plant with green, silver-brown or purple leaves. The stamens are collected in a dense spherical brush. Found in the Antilles in late XVII centuries, the species amazed European botanists with their diversity. However, any begonia overwinters only in a heated room. In the middle of winter, the plant withers and the above-ground part dies. However, the underground is reborn again in the spring. For alpine slides, dwarf non-tuberous varieties are used. What are mistakenly thought to be begonia petals are actually super-developed sepals. Ever-blooming begonias have no petals. However, the variety of sepal colors - from white to carmine - contributes to the active use of begonias to decorate alpine slides.
Delosperma
The homeland of this amazing plant is North Africa. But perennial varieties have been bred that can withstand - 17° without shelter. Delosperma congestum blooms with a dense yellow carpet at the end of May. The flowers are multi-petaled and resemble daisies. In the center is a corolla of graceful, delicate anthers. On old bushes the foliage takes on a burgundy hue. There are raspberry, lilac, two-color and asymmetrical chrysanthemum-shaped inflorescences. To avoid weathering in winter, delosperma is covered with garden canvas.
Pulmonaria is the Latin name for lungwort. Its medicinal plants are known. It blooms in spring with blue, purple or crimson bells. On one stem, next to the blue, younger inflorescences, there are also older ones with a purple tint. There are white-flowered varieties. After flowering, some varieties of lungwort have leaves covered with white spots. The varieties with blue foliage are especially decorative.
Globularia
An excellent plant for alpine hills from the plantain genus. So named for the compact ball-shaped inflorescences - white, blue, lilac. Rarely found in nature, listed in the Red Book. There are hair-flowering with an inflorescence similar to a cornflower, hair-flowering, named for its petals in the form of holes, heart-shaped and dotted - with many small petals. Creeping varieties of globularia are best suited for rock gardens.
Saxifrage
Another common name for this plant is Saxifraga (a misreading of two words: saxum - stone and frango - to break). Saxifraga is easily confused with aubrieta when viewed from a distance. But up close you can see the characteristic streaks on the petals. The spots on the aureopunctata variety are clearly visible. Arends' saxifrage is most suitable for temperate latitudes. The eastern and northern sides are filled with the shade-tolerant variety S. umbrosa L. There are paniculate and dwarf forms. Saxifragas are planted away from other alpine plants. The growth of saxifrage is so active that everything else on the alpine hill can be crowded out. The expansion of saxifrage is restrained by pruning branches.
One of the best plants for alpine slides. In summer, it prefers shade at midday. Planting is “bouquet”. Several cuttings are planted in one hole. White, crimson or carmine flowers bloom in May. A honey plant that attracts bees with its rich aroma. White varieties freeze slightly in winter, but quickly recover from the root. There are paniculate Arabis hybrids. Hybrid forms lose their characteristics when regenerated by seeds, so they are propagated by cuttings. Just like saxifrage, it actively displaces everything growing nearby, so Arabis layerings must be cut off. The new varieties have modified leaves: A. Ferdinanda - with gray-blue leaves with white edges; A. Proccurens “old gold” – with khaki striped leaves; A. Variegata – with jagged white edges. After flowering, the seed pods are removed. Seedlings begin to bloom after a year.
Veronica
A widespread plant in all parts of the world, right up to Antarctica. Recognizable by its tubular, pubescent stems and rough, glossy leaves. Active self-seeding. Loves shade and moist soil (popular name: “kryniknik”). A favorite plant in gardening due to its graceful cone-shaped flower with long stamens. The creeping species is capable of consuming the entire garden in a few seasons. New varieties have been developed through crossing with Australian species. Characteristic sign Veronica for rock garden - a woody, curved stem. Color – rich ultramarine. New varieties cultivate wide petals. The “Nestor” variety blooms sky blue, the woody speedwell has flowers similar to the lilac viola with a white outline. Threaded speedwell is famous for its complex multi-colored flowers. Veronica Blue Indigo is similar to lupine inflorescences, but more compact.
This plant is easily confused with decorative onions, but it grows on an elegant turf, the stem does not exceed 15cm. From one bush it produces 3-10 pink or white inflorescences collected in a ball. Blooms throughout the summer. Old inflorescences should be removed. Easily propagated by dividing bushes.
Anacyclus
This plant is very similar to chamomile, daisy and dill - at the same time. The white multi-petaled inflorescence is surrounded by highly dissected delicate leaves. But below the petals of Anacyclus are painted burgundy.
New varieties of Periwinkle, perennial Geranium, and Phlox subulate have been bred especially for alpine hills. Lavender is traditionally planted.
Today it's hard to imagine modern garden without alpine slide. It is the alpine hill (or its other name - rock garden) that gives the garden originality, completeness, and, where necessary, a feeling of a changed landscape. All this is created thanks to good combination ornamental plants, flowers, trees and stones.
At the first stage of creating an alpine slide, the location and possible decor. Next, you will need stone boulders of various sizes and shapes, chosen at your discretion.
Also, to change the level of the slide, you should prepare a drainage that goes to the very center. Can be used as drainage special materials, and ordinary fallen leaves and small twigs. The top of the drainage is filled with soil and decorated with boulders and stones the way you like best.
The main thing is not to forget: both the earth and the drainage will settle, so the height of the alpine hill itself will become lower than it was when it was laid.
After the slide is ready, the process of “populating” it begins. Here your imagination should not be limited by absolutely anything. The richness of flora today has reached its apogee, so you won’t have any difficulties choosing plants for your slide.
A good addition to an alpine slide can be paths paved with flat stones, plaster sculptures and the like. However, if you plan to build an alpine hill or a small waterfall that resembles a natural mountain river in miniature, then you cannot do without expert advice.
Moreover, you should seek advice while planning the slide, and not after its completion, otherwise you will have to destroy part of your own work. Of course, if you created a slide a long time ago, and now you decide to add rushing water to it, that’s a different matter.
In order for an alpine slide to meet its purpose, it must be constructed taking into account certain rules. Not every plant is suitable for a rock garden, so careful selection is necessary, taking into account the timing of flowering of plants, the possibility or impermissibility of joint proximity, the duration of flowering and many other factors.
If all planting conditions are met correctly, then the alpine hill will delight you with beautiful and luxurious flowering all summer, and, possibly, autumn.
For this to happen, when planting a hill, it is necessary to choose those plants that begin to bloom one after the other. Thanks to this, the rock garden will constantly change and have a picturesque and well-groomed appearance.
To create alpine slides, they mostly choose low growing plants. These are, for example, cinquefoil, salvia, low-growing varieties of nasturtium, spirea, daisies, primroses and many others.
In addition, slowly growing tree-like or, again, low-growing coniferous specimens are planted on the hill, but a couple of large plants or shrubs are added to create accents.
In order for an alpine hill to become a decoration of the garden not only in summer, but also in winter, coniferous species must appear among the plants. Juniper and dwarf pine are good for this.
In addition to ornamental plants, you can also plant medicinal herbs on the alpine hill, then it will also become a home healer. For example, thyme, rosemary, chamomile, sage and other similar plants are very suitable for this.
In addition, before landing, it is necessary to take into account the cardinal directions. This is done so that all types of plants can take root well and gain strength, since some of them, due to the fact that they need a significant amount of sunlight, prefer to grow only on the south side.
Unpretentious or shade-loving plants grow well on northern areas rock garden. And flowers such as bells, crocuses and chrysanthemums take root well everywhere.
Thus, if you put in just a little effort and follow all the above recommendations, you can create a real creation in your garden.
What plants are needed for a rock garden?
Constructing a rock garden on the territory on our own, it is very important to know how to correctly and successfully choose plants that will not only look great, but also delight you with their flowering for a long time. Plantings should not only be diverse, but also well adapted to the climatic conditions of the summer cottage.
When choosing plants for, you should not neglect carpet and low-growing plantings, which will become the basis and background of the finished rock garden.
When choosing green spaces, you should definitely take into account the weather and climatic conditions to which the area where the alpine slide will be located is exposed. Plants must have enough sunlight, moisture, heat and fertilizer.
It is also very important to pay attention to the intensity of growth and branching of plantings, as this can spoil the appearance and flowering of the alpine hill. Plantings must be harmonized with each other in size, color, growth rate, and flowering time.
Since the rock garden is being built for a long time, both annual and perennial plants should be selected. First of all, you need to take care of the landing ground cover plants, which will help to densely cover the surface of the earth.
Landscape designers recommend that when choosing plants for a rock garden, take into account the size and color of the boulders, which will create the basis of a decorative object. To make the rock garden look harmonious and not overloaded, the stones should be laid asymmetrically and loosely. You can fill the bare spaces between them with low-growing plantings.
In addition, plants should be planted in tiers, the top should be the tallest and most lush species, and with each subsequent circle, the height and size of the plantings should be reduced. In order for the rock garden to function all year round, the slide can be decorated with coniferous and evergreen plantings.
Perennial plants for alpine hills - photos and names
To make it easier to choose plants for an alpine hill, we present you the most popular ones with names in two languages and photos.
Anemone
Rocky alyssum - Alyssum-saxsatile
Alyssum white Badan – Bergenia
Herbaceous periwinkle - Vinca-herbacea
Marigolds – Tagetes
White perfection - Musk mallow - Malva moschata
Mountain cornflower - Centaurea montana
Veronica - Veronica
Loosestrife - Lysimachia nummularia
Carnation - Dianthus
Carnation low growing 
Geranium - Geranium
Loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria
Dicentra
Tenacious – Ajuga
Creeping tenacious St. John's wort - Hypericum
Iris
Saxifraga rotundifolia
Catnip – Nepeta
Lavender angustifolia - Lavandula angustifolia
Cinquefoil - Potentilla
Nepalese cinquefoil - Potentilla nepalensis
Lupine - Lupinus
Young - Sempervivum
Euphorbia - Euphorbia
Euphorbia fringed (bride) Peony – Paeonia
Purslane - Portulaca oleracea
Multi-colored purslane on an alpine hill Primula
Rudbeckia
Sedum
Amethyst eryngium - Eryngium amethystinum
Amethyst eryngium Sleep-herb - Pulsatilla
Dream-grass Yarrow - Achillea
Thyme - Thymus
Violet – Viola
Phlox subulata
Phlox subulate Chistets -Stachys byzantina
Evening primrose missouriensis - Oenothera missouriensis
Cerastium - Cerastium
Yaskolka 
Many owners personal plots They know how important it is to keep their territory tidy and clean. Everyone tries to bring in some bright colors and greenery that will transform a modest landscape design.
An excellent decorative object is an alpine hill, which is a pile of stones and plants that can become a real source of pride and decoration for any site.
What is an alpine hill and what plants are suitable for it - expert opinion
Read about everything here.