Plants suitable for alpine slides (photos and names). Flowers for an alpine hill: names and photos, which ones are better to choose Herbs for an alpine hill

So, for example, shade-loving species are not suitable for a sunny rocky hill, etc. But when choosing plants for rocky gardens (rockeries), one more important factor must be taken into account - their naturalness, “naturalness”. On a rocky hill, garden flowers, which are distinguished by splendor, are out of place, as they divert attention from the overall composition. In addition, all plants should be compact and, if possible, look neat and beautiful all year round. Therefore, give preference to natural species and varieties similar to them, especially plants with wintering leaves and shoots that adorn the garden even in winter.

The main functions of plants for a rocky garden are as follows:

emphasize the beautiful elements of the addition of a rocky garden;
hide unsuccessful elements of the composition, ugly or unnaturally laid stones (coniferous plants and ground cover perennials are suitable for this);
soften, enliven the composition;
delight the eye with a variety of colors and textures of leaves, beautiful flowering.

Plant the plants in the order in which they are discussed in this article - this will help you compose the composition correctly and provide the plants with the best living conditions.

Types of perennials for alpine slides: photos and names

Perennial plants for alpine slides with foliage dying off for the winter can be divided into the following types:

Species forming narrow-leaved tufts- corolla, anticlei, paradisea, liatris, daylilies, many irises. They look organic in any composition, especially next to large stones. Low-growing forms of perennials for rock gardens, such as sizirhynchium and dwarf ornamental grasses, are good for group planting.
Species producing large but compact tufts of leaves or shoots- ferns, astilbes, thorns, ash trees, rhodiola. Best of all, such flowers for rockeries look at the stones, at the joints and at the foot of the terraces.
Species forming undersized curtains- spectacular, but often capricious plants: primroses, edelweiss, backache, dryakvenniki, gentian, armeria, rock bells, miniature ferns. Plant perennial alpine flowers in isolated holes and in small groups on small terraces.
Species growing in tall curtains. Most are shade tolerant forest plants.. Some can be quite aggressive, such as lilies of the valley, kupene, disporums, badans; use them in large flat-type rockeries or to secure slopes. Other flowers for the rock garden grow compactly: Goryanka, Jeffersonia, uvularia, "curtain" ferns; the best place for them is spacious terraces.
"Giants" - plants too large for rockeries. Only in large gardens can you use a few slender species with beautiful leaves: Volzhanka, black cohosh, buzulnik, Rogersia, ascilboides, peltifillums. Plant these perennials for rockeries singly or in small groups - this is the only way they will demonstrate all their beauty.

There are a huge number of perennials shedding leaves suitable for rocky gardens, so we will focus only on species typical of the most common type of rockery - alpine hills.

For the successful cultivation of the plants presented below, it is necessary to observe not only specific for each species, but also the rules of agricultural technology common to all of them:

Transplant in early spring (before active growth begins) or in the second half of summer (after growth ends).
Plant perennials on light, humus-rich loams with an acidity of 5.5 - 6.
In autumn, cut off all plants that have not retained or not formed green shoots at ground level.
For a successful wintering, carry out hilling or mulching in the fall, cover capricious species with a layer of leaves to a height of 10-20 cm.

Ephemeroids are plants that have a very short vegetation cycle. They bloom in spring or early summer, after which they shed their foliage. They are planted in rockeries last and only in the fall.

What ephemeroid flowers can be planted on an alpine hill?

Snowdrops, white flower beds, corydalis, crocuses, iridodictiums, kandyks, chionodoxes, scillas, pushkinias, muscari, and, of course, tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are perfect for these purposes. They bloom for a short time, but catchy and spectacular, for which they are loved by gardeners.

These plants for rockeries have a single, but serious drawback - after flowering they look unattractive, and during the period of foliage dying off, they do not decorate the rock garden, but rather spoil it. However, you should not refuse ephemeroids - you just need to choose the right species.

Give preference to plants whose foliage dies off within 2-3 weeks after flowering. Be wary of large-flowered varieties of tulips and hyacinths - their splendor is contrary to the aesthetics of rockeries. The natural forms of these plants and their miniature varieties look much more organic in a rocky garden.

Ephemeroids are always planted in groups. In small gardens, nests of 3-5 or 10-20 specimens look spectacular, looking out from under stones or growing at the foot of terraces. In large rockeries, especially in flat ones, they create extensive color spots from dozens of plants. Just do not forget that after the death of the leaves, the place occupied by ephemeroids will be empty until next spring.

Ephemeroid plants belong to a variety of families, however, in their agricultural technology, much in common can be distinguished:

- They are photophilous, but can be planted under the crowns of deciduous plants and between late-growing perennials, because the ephemeroids have time to bloom before the planting site is shaded by foliage.
- Moisture-loving during the period of active growth, after the leaves die off, they normally tolerate dry soil.

Heat during the growth period shortens the growing season. Before flowering, they are not afraid of frost. After the end of the growing season, they are demanding on the temperature regime - some must be dug up and stored until planting in a cool, dry place.
Most go many years without a transplant. Excessive compaction of the “nest”, which prevents the normal development of plants, means that it is time to carry out a rejuvenating division. The best period for digging and transplanting is the end of the growing season.
The optimal landing time is from late September to mid-October. The heavier and colder the soil, the closer to the surface plant the bulbs.
They like well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acidic or neutral soils. Prefer loose loamy or sandy soils.
They reproduce well by fresh seeds, blooming for 3-5 years. Seedlings painlessly tolerate transplantation (picking) only in the initial stage of growth. Many species are easily spread throughout the garden during earthworks and due to the ability to self-seeding.

Look at the photo of perennial ephemeroid flowers for the alpine slide:

When choosing flowers that are ideal for an alpine slide, pay attention to the following plants.

Anticlea gracious (Zygadenus) - Anticlea elegans (Zygadenus)

Anticlea gracious (Zygadenus) on the picture
Flowers of Anticlea gracious

Bulbs do not have summer dormancy. The plant is suitable for all large rockeries. Looks great near the stones, next to the "bog", in a mixborder.

Bulbous plant. This perennial flower, suitable for an alpine hill, got its name not by chance - it is, indeed, very elegant. Narrow gray basal leaves are collected in bunches up to 40 cm high. It blooms in early summer. The flowers are small, yellow-green, collected in a narrow paniculate inflorescence, peduncle about 70 cm tall. Prefers rich soils. It develops well both in partial shade and in open places. Moisture-loving, but withstands temporary drying. Winter-hardy without shelter.

All representatives of the genus are suitable for rockeries.

Thrift– Armeria

Most compact:

Armeria soddy in the photo
(A. caespitosa) pictured

Seaside Armeria in the photo
(A. maritima) pictured

Seaside Armeria (A. maritima), forming cushions of narrow, partially wintering leaves.

As you can see in the photo, the inflorescences of these plants for alpine hills are capitate, the flowers are often pink, the flower stalks are from 3 to 30 cm high:

Armeria are very spectacular in small and narrow holes, in the crevices of retaining walls and rocks, between the slabs of the paths.

Prefer open sunny places, poor and well-drained soils. Drought-resistant. Winter-hardy without shelter, freeze only in very cold snowless winters.

Venechnik
Anthericum

All species are spectacular elegant plants. Narrow basal leaves are collected in rosettes. They bloom in early summer with snow-white flowers, collected in lush paniculate inflorescences.

Peduncles 60 to 150 cm high. Perfect as seasonal dominants.

Pay attention to the photo how well these plants for rockeries complement large compositional groups:

They are undemanding to soils, but develop better on nutritious loams. They prefer a sunny location, but tolerate shading. Shelter for the winter is not required.

catchment on the picture
Aquilegia on the picture

For rocky gardens, the most suitable fan-shaped catchment (A. flabellata) is a dwarf species no more than 15 cm high (varietal forms can reach 30 cm).

This perennial plant for the alpine slide got its name for the ability of leaves and flowers to collect and store rainwater and dew. The leaves near the watershed are bluish-green, pinnate. The flowers are large, with short spurs, blue, white or pink; bloom in early summer. It is undemanding to soils, but lives longer on loose soils than on heavy or peaty ones. Prefers a sunny or semi-shady location. Easily transfers transplant. Drought tolerant. Winter-hardy. Blooms profusely, but not for long.

Bell on the picture
Campanula on the picture

Unpretentious mountain-meadow and rocky species are best suited for rockeries. The name of these flowers, suitable for an alpine slide, is known to everyone. Bluebells are sun-loving, do not like summer transplants, do not tolerate waterlogging, and are relatively drought-resistant. Prefer neutral or slightly alkaline loamy soil.

Carpathian bell in the photo
(C. carpatica) pictured

Forms compact bushes about 25 cm high. The leaves are small, basal and stem. The flowers are blue or white, large. Blooms all summer.

Gargan bell in the photo
(C. garganica) pictured

Forms tufts from lodging stems. It blooms in early summer with beautiful blue flowers. These flowers for an alpine slide grow well only in the crevices of dry masonry walls or on narrow terraces. It is frost-resistant, but safely winters only on the drained soils under a snow cover.

Portenschlag bell in the photo
(C. portenschlagiana) pictured

Vertical shoots are collected in neat bushes. Blooms very profusely in early summer. The flowers are small, purple. It grows well and hibernates only in drained holes or crevices in the walls of dry masonry.

Bells will decorate any sunny rockery. Plant them in small holes, on narrow terraces, or in crevices of walls lined with dry masonry - in such places they develop best. The Carpathian bluebell can grow on tufa.

To prolong the flowering period of the Carpathian bell, cut off faded shoots - abundant fruiting stops flowering.

Here you can see a selection of photos of perennials for an alpine slide, the names of which are given above:

Mountain plants are those flowers that are ideal for alpine slides. Growing rock species of bluebells and saxifrages, Gesneriaceae, gentians, levisias, dwarf ferns and other "highlights" of rocky gardens requires considerable experience and patience. "Rarities" are planted in small holes and in crevices between stones, while trying to distinguish them from the general composition. Sometimes you have to prepare a special soil substrate, especially drain the seat or arrange a visor that protects from rain. Many of these plants need a certain acidity of the soil that differs from the general background and the presence of a certain type of stone in the neighborhood.

Most mountain plants and flowers, when grown on an alpine hill, do not tolerate close groundwater and stagnant water on the soil. They grow well on small shaded terraces of rocky hills.

However, if you grow a rare saxifrage, gentian, gerbil, or rockwort, you will have a legitimate reason to be proud.

Below you will see photos and names of mountain flowers suitable for rock garden.

Gentian on the picture
Gentiana on the picture

Relatively unpretentious species:

Gentian seven-separate in the photo
(G. septemfida) pictured

Gentian rough in the photo
(G. scabra) pictured

Gentian Chinese decorated in the photo
(G. sinoornata) pictured

They bloom in late summer - autumn, for many years they live without a transplant and special care.

The situation is more complicated with dwarf alpine gentian, blooming in early spring:

Gentian stemless in the photo
(G. acaulis) pictured

Gentian Delekluza in the photo
(G. clusii) pictured

Spring gentian in the photo
(G. verna) pictured

Plant them in wind-sheltered, well-drained holes filled with loose fertile soil and fine limestone. Transplant only in early spring, water in summer and shelter from the scorching sun. And remember: all the difficulties of care will pay off with the joy of a long and lush flowering.

levisia cotyledon on the picture
Lewisia cotyledon on the picture

A beauty that would be most suitable for a cold greenhouse, but it can also bloom in open ground, in a crevice or hole protected from rain.

As you can see in the photo, even rosettes are original for these flowers for an alpine slide - evergreen, similar to large youngsters:

In May, flower stalks appear from rosettes, on which flowers 3 cm in diameter bloom. The main condition for the successful development of a plant is the correct choice of a landing site. The soil should be permeable, nutritious, and the socket should remain dry as much as possible.

haberlea rhodopiensis on the picture
Haberlea rodopensis on the picture

A relative of the Uzambara violet, but in the middle lane it is quite frost-resistant. Can only grow in proximity to rocks. Does not tolerate alkaline soil. The best landing site is an inclined hole. It is winter-hardy, but it is better to cover it with spruce branches.

Below you can find another selection of photos of plants grown in rock gardens, find out their names and descriptions.

Perennial flowers for rock garden: photos and names

prickly on the picture
Carlina on the picture

All types are suitable for rockeries, but the stemless thorn (C. acaulis) is especially good.

Rigid, prickly leaves are collected in rosettes. Blooms in late summer. Inflorescences - baskets with a diameter of 6-8 cm, open only in the sun. Peduncles from 10 to 30 cm.

All thorns are dried flowers. Especially good when landing near rocks, in holes and on terraces.

Very sun-loving. Drought tolerant. Does not tolerate transplant well. Does not tolerate waterlogging. Prefers loose loam, but thrives on any non-acidic, well-drained soil. Winter-hardy. It freezes only in severe snowless winters and during stagnant winter-spring waters.

Primrose (primrose) on the picture
Primula on the picture

Primroses will decorate any rock garden. This plant, suitable for rockeries, got its name because it blooms one of the first.

Primula Ear in the photo
(Auricula) pictured

The species of the Ear section (Auricula) are distinguished by a special originality. These are typical alpine plants; their leaves are smooth, leathery, the flowers are wide open. Prefers non-acidic moist soils, drought-resistant. Sun-loving, but tolerate shading. Frost-resistant.

There are varieties with large and double flowers, and there are also charming "dwarfs":

Primula Delescluza in the photo
(P. clusiana) pictured

Many gardeners prefer to grow their own flowers from seeds rather than buying expensive seedlings. But for some reason, when the question arises of choosing flowers for a rock garden, many people prefer to buy mature plants. Of course, it's easier - I bought it, planted it right away - and admire it. But there are beautifully flowering plants for alpine hills, which are easy to grow by yourself, by sowing seedlings or immediately into the ground. In this article I will tell you what flowers to plant on an alpine hill with seeds, planting immediately in the ground or seedlings.

Recently, alpine slides have become increasingly popular. This is understandable - the combination of stones with various plants creates the impression of a small piece of natural landscape in the garden. The slide does not require much space and looks very impressive next to other plants in your garden.

For a rock garden, it is necessary to select low-growing plants that will naturally look in the space between the stones, without blocking them with themselves.

And now we will select those flowering plants that you can independently grow from seeds.

What perennial flowers to plant on an alpine hill:

First of all, with its flowering, many years will bring you joy. spring adonis. Blooming in late April, its bright yellow flowers, like the spring sun, will create an atmosphere of awakening nature. It is worth sowing the seeds of adonis in late summer and early autumn on the surface of the substrate, sprinkling river sand on top. And in the spring you will see the emerging shoots.

Dwarf aquilegia can become a real decoration of the rock garden. The smallest of the many varieties of dwarf aquigelia - Aquigelia Blue Angel – will look great in rock gardens. A bush with openwork gray-blue greens is decorated with graceful blue flowers with a yellow border. Moreover, even after flowering, the bushes look very gentle and beautiful.

A good option is a mixture of dwarf varieties Biedermeier . The aquilegia of this variety has multi-colored flowers and is slightly larger in size, but still the bushes are compact and can be planted in rock gardens.

Aquigelia is sown in open ground either in April or before winter. At room conditions, crops are kept at a temperature of +5 C. They need humus permeable soil, light partial shade or a sunny location. These beauties begin to bloom in June.

Would be a good addition allisum rocky - bushy perennial with bright yellow flowers. Grows in well-drained soil in full sun. It begins to bloom early, usually at the end of April, after flowering, the stems of the alyssum should be shortened so that next year its flowering is plentiful.

less common anacyclus well suited as a perennial plant for alpine hills. Against the background of stones, its branches with dark green leaves look beautiful. The flowers on the outside are pink in color, the opened flower has white petals with a bright yellow center. Grows in well-drained soil in full sun, blooms in early to mid-June. It is necessary to grow seedlings, sowing under glass.

Perennial anemone Madonna would also be a great option. Its large white flowers with openwork white foliage will look great next to other plants. Not as whimsical as other perennial alpine flowers - grows both in the light and in partial shade on any sufficiently moist soil. Sowing should be done before winter. This anemone will bloom from late spring to the end of June.

Often used in rock gardens aubration- an evergreen perennial with small gray-green leaves and small flowers of different colors, ranging from white and pink to purple and violet. It blooms profusely in May, but a small number of new flowers appear throughout the summer. Should be planted in light, permeable, calcium-rich soil.

It should be borne in mind that many perennials grown from seeds begin to bloom only in the second year of their life, therefore, in order not to observe a dull picture of emptiness, it is worth making up for the lack of flowering plants with annuals.

What annual flowers to plant on an alpine hill:

Annuals alyssums- dwarf plants with multi-colored (mostly white-pink-lilac) flowers and a pleasant smell with a hint of honey. Grow in full sun with poor but well-drained soil. In order for the allisums to bloom well, you need to cut off the faded flowers and then they will bloom all summer, right up to frost! .When growing through planting, sowing through glass is needed.

Another suitable option for annual plants for an alpine slide is. This graceful plant with delicate openwork leaves is distinguished by many white, blue, lilac and purple flowers. It grows in light nutrient soils in lighted places, does not like waterlogging. Looks great among the stones, pleases with its abundant flowering throughout the summer.

As you can see, the choice of flowering plants that you can independently grow from seeds is quite large. Therefore, having wondered what flowers to plant on an alpine hill, do not immediately buy expensive seedlings in pots, but grow them from seeds!

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Alpine slide is a popular element of landscape design, which is gaining more and more popularity in recent years. It not only decorates the site, but also gives it the most natural look. A variety of plants, from flowering plants to ground cover crops, surrounded by rocky rocks look very impressive if you choose and combine them correctly. Before deciding what to plant on an alpine hill, you should read the general recommendations.

Some tips for plant placement

First of all, for an alpine slide, only those crops that can grow in the local climate should be selected. It is better if flowering plants replace each other, blooming in turn. Particular attention should be paid to undersized and neighboring flowers. It is important to consider growth rates so that neighboring, higher and faster growing crops do not oppress compact plantations of "slow" bushes.

When planting perennials in the free space between them, annual flowers can be placed - they will hide empty areas under them until the perennials grow.

An excellent choice for an alpine slide is dwarf conifers. Their year-round green branches will become the main "chip" of a rocky flower bed, especially if you combine species with different shades (juniper, thuja, cypress).

In the intervals between conifers, undersized crops or carpet crops can be planted.

The principles of tiered filling of the slide with plants

When choosing crops for an alpine slide, it is necessary to take into account the fact that they will not grow on a flat surface, which means that they will receive uneven lighting and moisture. Visually, the slide can be divided into three tiers: top, middle and foot.

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 masterpieces.

Alpine slide plants - video

Alpine slide is an element of landscape design. This unique composition, as a rule, imitates a mountain landscape: a group of stones should rise in the center, terraces with various plants are formed on the slopes of the hill.

Rock garden features

The rock garden is a simple and unique way to recreate a piece of nature on your site. If the site is completely flat, then the rock garden (also called rockery or stone garden) will give it an element of movement. In addition, rockeries are the perfect place to house exquisite alpine plants, as well as many beautiful low-growing plants that would otherwise go unnoticed.

What plants are needed?

Most garden plants that are best for rock gardens are drought tolerant, need little fertilizer, and rarely require any pruning. The only difficult task is constant weeding, but this can also be minimized by removing all perennial weeds from the intended location of the rock garden in advance. Naturally, the rest of the soil added to the stones should also be free from weeds.

When selecting plants for rockeries, it is important to keep in mind the existing conditions and choose the appropriate specimens.

For example, for rockeries located in a sunny area with quickly drying soil, choose plants that need sun and enhanced drainage. If your planting area is large enough that conditions can change—perhaps there are places where the soil retains more moisture—group your plants accordingly. Plants that bloom all summer are best planted in warm and humid climates, cacti and other succulents are more suitable for dry climates, and finally, if your site is located at a high altitude, you can consider a classic alpine garden.

What to plant?

The list of plants is very extensive. It is only necessary to take into account that stone gardens located in warm climates require some plants, and in colder climates others.

Flowers

It is best to choose low-growing, long-flowering garden plants. Fortunately, there is a huge selection of such colors.

Lavender

A natural choice for any rocky garden. Its grey-green foliage contrasts beautifully with its own flowers, as well as dark green grasses and other rock garden plants. Plants are placed at a distance of 30 to 45 cm from each other in an open sunny place with well-drained, slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.7 to 7.3). Before planting, it is necessary to add sand to the soil, which is vital, since lavender does not tolerate excessive soil moisture.

Lavender blooms almost all summer; in order to maintain continuous flowering during the warm season, faded flowers must be removed. In the spring, when the plants begin to grow, the lavender can be lightly pinched for better branching.

Remember that lavender needs good drainage. and good air circulation. Do not overwater, let the soil dry before watering. In conditions of heat and humidity, fungal diseases can develop and the leaves will turn brown. To minimize the chance of this problem, cover the base of the plant with pebbles or sand to speed evaporation. For better air circulation form the plant sparse.

Iris

Hardy and unpretentious, with bright colors, has been used in rock gardens for many years. By choosing from a variety of varieties and varieties of iris, you can extend their flowering season from spring to early summer, sometimes with repeated flowering.

Two main types of irises thrive in northern climates: bearded and Siberian. However, there are less common names that are also worth growing, such as Iris reticulata (dwarf iris), Iris pallida (sweet iris), Iris pumila (rainbow nut), Iris cristata (tufted iris) and shade-tolerant Iris tectorum (Japanese iris).

bearded irises plant in full sun with plenty of air. Crowding or shading by other plants can adversely affect iris blooms and also contribute to disease. Irises grow best in rich soil that has been supplemented with organic matter such as compost, manure or peat. Well-drained soil is important to avoid root rot of the fleshy rhizome.

The soil under bearded irises should be kept constantly moist, but only from spring until the end of flowering. After flowering, the plant goes into a dormant period, excessive watering at this time can cause rot. Fertilize bearded iris in early spring. Use a nitrogen fertilizer, then water the plant well. Fertilizer is repeated when the flower stem appears.

Irises should be trimmed carefully, leaving as much green, healthy leaf tissue as possible. Do not be afraid to damage or deplete the plant, its development in the next year is determined by the ability to produce and store food during the current season; the more yellowed leaves go, the better. After a real frost, it is necessary to cut off all the foliage.

Siberian irises come in different shades: blue, lavender, white or yellow. After flowering (late spring to early summer), the foliage remains attractive throughout the season. Siberian irises grow in much the same way as ground cover plants, crowding out weeds. The best place to place them is in the sun. Siberian irises need constant moisture throughout the season with occasional deep watering.

Removing dead flowers stops seed pod formation, but Siberian iris seed pods are attractive in their own right. They can be left on individual plants for additional fall and winter decoration.

winged stalk

(Aethionemas or Persian Candytufts) is an excellent rock garden plant. It will grow in any soil except heavy, wet clay. These small plants with tiny blue-green leaves are extremely attractive, even if they haven't bloomed yet. Aethionema caespitosa forms a dense carpet only 5 cm high; A. grandiflora is taller, up to 20 cm, with caps of beautiful pink, very fragrant flowers that remain decorative for a long time; Aethionema cordifolium is the only member of this group that reproduces by self-seeding. All winged grasses bloom from mid-spring to late summer.

Onion

Not all rock garden lovers know that some types of onions, for example, Allium senescens glaumum, can be an excellent decoration. This onion has flat, bluish leaves, as if swirling in one direction, which makes it very decorative. It blooms in summer with lavender-pink flowers. Other bulbs: A. cyaneum with purple-blue flowers, A. moly with golden yellow flowers and A. flavum which blooms in summer with charming straw-colored buds.

shrubs

For an alpine slide, mainly creeping forms of shrubs are planted.

Cotoneaster horizontal

As the name suggests, this shrub grows horizontally. The plants have small, rounded leaves that range from reddish-orange to burgundy in autumn. The flowers are light pink, after flowering they give later shiny red berries. The arrangement of the branches is such that in general the plant has the appearance of a "herringbone". It reaches a height of 90 cm, and a width of 2.5 m.

These shrubs offer a great example of a year-round ornamental plant. In the spring they bloom with light pink flowers, in the summer their glossy green leaves create an unusual pattern. But the cotoneaster is especially attractive in autumn due to foliage and berries. Red berries remain on the branches for a long time and look attractive even in winter. True, by the middle of winter, they may show signs of fading and discoloration.

Barberry

Hardy and tender shrubs, evergreen or deciduous. Some species are famous for their beautiful and fragrant flowers, others are more attractive when covered with brightly colored fruits at the end of the year.

These shrubs are able to grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy to loamy. They naturally take on a beautiful shape, they do not need regular pruning. Although some species tolerate moderate shade, best results are obtained in sunny locations. Some species create very good hedges, in particular B. Darwini, B. Stenofill, B. Thunberg, so they can also be used in the country. Dwarf forms of B. Thunberg (Box Barberryu Red Pygmy) can be planted in a flower garden

Those barberries that retain their leaves through the winter are among the most beautiful evergreen shrubs. Barberry Darwini, an upright, beautiful shrub, has small, glossy, dark evergreen leaves and orange fragrant flowers in late April and May; fruits are dark purple with a blue-gray flower. A relatively new Chilean barberry is B. linearifolia, which resembles B. Darwinia but has larger, richer flowers. There is a hybrid of B. darwinii and B. linearifolia which has orange flowers and is very showy.

Red-fruited barberries are especially attractive in autumn and winter. B. Wilsonae - a dense shrub 90 cm high with prickly branches and small leaves; the flowers are yellow and the coral-red fruits in autumn are its main attraction. Its Stapfiana variety is also very beautiful in autumn and winter thanks to its red berries. Barberry Thunberg is especially beautiful due to the rich scarlet and orange color of the leaves in autumn. The atropurpurea cultivar has purple foliage; it is a good dwarf shrub for rockeries.

ground covers

In this capacity, different types of saxifrage (Saxifragaceae) are very popular. These are creeping perennials with round green leaves, on the reverse side the leaves are pink with white veins. S. umbrosa has tiny pink flowers on red stems, while S. stolonifera has white flowers.

Goryanka (Epimedium)

A low-growing perennial that is also often used as a groundcover in mountain gardens, it forms a mass of leathery leaves with heart-shaped leaflets. Epimedium's tiny waxy flowers range in color from shades of white and yellow to pink and red.

Hoof

(Asarum caudatum) - has heart-shaped leaves and grows well in foggy areas. Fills gardens with a scent reminiscent of ginger.

Creeping sedum (Sedum)

It is one of the most versatile, drought tolerant and easy growing perennials that can be used as ground cover. Known for their ability to spread quickly, these short plants completely drown out weeds. If they are not waterlogged, they rarely suffer from any diseases or pests. They are an ideal choice for gardens in hot and dry climates, but also work well just about anywhere - as long as they get good drainage.

Most creeping sedums prefer full sun but tolerate partial shade.

Thyme

Fragrant fast growing groundcover 5-7 cm tall with small leaves. In early summer it bears small, delicate, whitish flowers. Can grow between garden path steps. Grows in full sun and well-drained soil. It can be used to quickly fill gaps between stepped stones or rocks.

Golden Oregano (Origanum vulgare "Aureum")

Another hardy and unpretentious ground cover that retains its golden color best in cold weather. Golden oregano has tiny rounded leaves 1 to 2 cm wide. Its small lavender or purple flowers appear in early summer and last all summer. Pair it with other oregano or plant it next to lavender (Lavendula spp.), rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis), or cylindrica (Imperata cylindrica "Red Baron") and you've got a golden carpet of various hues.

Blue star (Laurentia fluviatilis)

Native to Australia, it boasts delicate blue, star-shaped flowers that appear during spring and summer amidst small, bright green leaves. The blue star forms an attractive cover under trees and between stepped stones.

Mazus reptan (Mazus reptans)

A plant for the impatient gardener, It grows very quickly, forming a dense carpet. In spring, tiny flowers resembling shards give the effect of a miniature flower garden. Blue or white flowers with a yellow spot rise 5-7 cm above the foliage. Use this hardy perennial where its aggressive qualities are needed, such as between steps or to cover large areas.

Herbs

By the strength of the visual impact, rare plants can be compared with ornamental grasses. Don't confuse ornamental plants with lawn grasses.

Ornamental grasses are meant for growing, not for mowing, and most are not used as groundcovers.

Feather grass

Widespread in gardens and very useful in many ways. Designers use these herbs for their shape, color range, and long decorative period from early summer to mid-winter. Most feather grass varieties are perennials and all prefer full sun and are rarely found in shade in natural habitats. Steppe feather grass (Stipa) is a thin, ash-colored grass. Mexican feather grass (S. tenuissima) is a bright green tender grass growing up to 90 cm in height.

Reed Grass (Calamagrostis)

Another ornamental grass for alpine hills, which has a leaf shape similar to feathers, grows to the same height as S. tenuissima. C. acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is distinguished by having small pink flowers at the top of the stems.

This reed grass looks like a work of art and provides a wonderful contrast with low shrubs and perennials. In addition, C. 'Karl Foerster' is one of the first herbs to start growing in the spring. Flowers during the season change color, remain on the plant until the snow. The plant sways gracefully in the gentle breeze. Mass landing C. "Karl Foerster" looks very impressive on a windy day!

Blue Oat Grass (Heliptotrichon sempervirens)

It looks like a miniature fountain with densely packed leaves that open up neatly and curve down at the tips. This grass adds a wonderful decorative element to rock gardens. Its homeland is central and southern Europe, where it is found in rocky pastures on calcareous soils. It does best in light, well-drained soil and prefers a sunny location. Helperotrichon sempervirens can be used as a single plant or as a "river" in pebble gardens. This herb looks amazing in any gray leafy scheme, among lavender, artemisia and the like. It also associates well with other ornamental grasses.

Ephedra

In rock gardens, coniferous evergreens are often used.

Mountain pine Pinus mugo

An extremely attractive dwarf plant. It should be clarified here that dwarf conifers are not necessarily small, they often just grow slowly, only a few centimeters per year. Pinus mugo has good strong branches, green shoots that gradually turn brown, and scaly gray bark that is especially attractive in winter light or in the glow of a sunset.

This plant is of interest all year round.: both in winter, when it looks like snow dust, and on hot sunny days, when its resinous buds exude a wonderful aroma. The shape of Pinus mugo is more like a shrub than a tree. It is this feature that makes P. mugo ideal for the modern garden.

Juniper 'Mint Julep'

The juniper family offers a wide variety of hardy, low-growing evergreen shrubs for garden landscaping. It is an evergreen shrub with dense upright branches clad in spiky bright green needles. Flowers are not decorative. Blue berries are formed from spring to late winter. Valued for its glossy green foliage and original fountain shape.

Currently, alpine slides have become increasingly popular. Customers can choose from a wide variety of plants. You can create such an art object yourself or by ordering it from a landscape design company.

What plants are suitable for an alpine slide?

You need to select plants for rock garden guided by your own taste and imagination, but taking into account the general style and location on the site.

There are a few basic rules to follow:

It is important to take into account aspects such as:
- Climate;
- soil type;
- Humidity of soil and air.
Initially, you need to draw up a diagram and carefully consider the location of each type of plant. Lighting is an important aspect. Plants may not tolerate full sun or shade;
Another fact that will play a significant role is the size of the plants. It should be calculated according to the size of the rock garden;
It is important to remember that alpine slides are not made up of plants alone. They should not only be “diluted” with stones of various kinds and sizes, but it is also possible to equip a waterfall, a pond, etc.;
You can not "overdo it" with the number of flowers, as an incorrectly calculated number of plants can lead to the fact that one species can crowd out the others if it grows too wide.

Brighter specimens are given more attention. They should be planted more apart.

Mini spruce;
firs;
Pines;
Juniper;
Larch;
Trees and shrubs "mini" size;
Other types of ground cover plants and perennials.

List of plants for the alpine slide

A list of plants for the correct arrangement of alpine slides can be compiled as follows:

perennials;
Coniferous;
Evergreens;
Shade-tolerant;
creeping;
Creeping;
Ground cover.

Among perennial plants, there are several main and most popular species:

Flowers:
Aubienta hybrid;
Edelweiss alpine;
Phlox subulate, etc.
bulbous flowers:
- Tulip late;
corydalis;
Hyacinth;
Colchicum, etc.

Of the coniferous specimens most often used:

Dwarf conifers:
Black pine "Nana";
Canadian spruce "Conica";
Dwarf coniferous shrubs:
Juniper horizontal "Blue Chip";
Juniper horizontal "Golden Carper";
Juniper Chinese "Expansa Variegata;
Thuja western "Danica", etc.

Among the evergreens, the most popular are:

Saxifrage apiculata, etc.

When choosing shade-tolerant specimens, you should pay attention to:

Among creeping and creeping plants it is better to give preference to:

Thyme downy-woolly;
Lemon-smelling thyme, etc.

The most popular ground covers include:

Ayuga.

Alpine slide plants, photos and names

Perennials:

Plants for an alpine slide
Conifers:
Evergreens:
Shade-tolerant:
Creeping and creeping:
Ground covers:

Flowers for the Alpine slide, names and photos

Prices for plants for alpine slides

To find out exactly what the final cost of the alpine slide device will be, you need:

Draw up a project that includes the size of the rock garden and the exact name and number of plants. Such a project can be ordered by professionals. This will cost you an average of 1000 rubles. If you decide to make a 3D visualization, then you will additionally have to pay another 1,500 rubles or more. In addition, here you also need to add the cost of a specialist’s visit to the facility - from 250 rubles for each km and 300 rubles for measuring each hundred square meters;
Prepare the site. By doing it yourself, you can save money, but the workers will charge you from 300 rubles for each remote stump, 100 rubles for 1 square meter of layout;
Make your own hill. The company takes an average of 2,500 rubles per square meter, and when planting coniferous or deciduous trees, you will have to pay approximately 20% of the cost of each.
If there is a reservoir, then for its design it will be necessary to pay 250 rubles or more for each square, and its installation will cost about 2500 rubles per square meter.