What are Alpines and how are they used?
The word alpines is used in rock garden parlance in different ways. Literally, alpines are plants from the high mountains or more specifically from the European Alps. More broadly, small rock garden plants are often called alpines even if they are not from the high mountains. Alpines are often used in troughs, other containers and small-scale rock gardens. Back to top Why do rock garden plants often have large flowers? To attract pollinating insects and hummingbirds, many rock garden plants have remarkably large or striking blooms. The contrast between the rocks and small plants with their showy blooms add to the beauty and charm of the rock garden.
