Alpine plants are compact, often low-growing plants suited to rockeries, troughs, raised beds and other positions where drainage is sharp and competition is limited.
Alpine plants pack flowers and foliage into a small scale, making them ideal for rockeries, troughs, gravel gardens, wall crevices and the front of sunny borders. Their compact habit is particularly useful where space is limited. In Ireland, winter wet is often a greater challenge for alpines than cold. Sharp drainage, raised planting and gritty soil help replicate the lean conditions many alpine species need to remain compact and healthy.