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How much bigger will my Alpines get

ShepsSheps Posts: 2,197

Hi everyone...a few weeks ago I planted up some Alpines, thinking they would stay relatively small, but some have grown like crazy and are going to swamp the planter, see pic.

Before

image

Now

image

So, should I just leave them or should I transfer them to a larger planter.

Thanks

Sheps...

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,433

    Taking it as a clockface.

    12 o clock is a sempervivum, it will stay that size and grow slowly.

    The one at 7  looks like snow in summer, cerastium, and is not an alpine but is used for ground cover. I would move it out on its own.

    Sempervivums look good clumped together.

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,433

    2 o clock looks like a campanula, again it will grow large.

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,239

    Hi sheps. That is what some alpines do. You could always trim to keep in bounds but then you may lose some flowers. The sempervivum will stay more or less as it is and develop offsets around the sides. I'm not sure what the others are.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • ShepsSheps Posts: 2,197

    Thanks everyone...I think 2 o clock and 7 o clock need to come out and be replaced with some smaller growing Alpines.

    Sheps...image

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,498

    The things sold in general garden centres are not very good representatives of alpines, being usually the most rampant species that can cope in the competitive conditions of the average garden.

    If you are interested you may find there is a branch of the Alpine Garden Society near you, where you could learn more, or shop at a reputable online alpine nursery like Craigiehall where you willl find a veritable box of delights!

    Health warning - these things are addictive and may lead  to exposure to dangerous alpine conditionsimage

    Last edited: 29 May 2016 19:13:38

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,354

    Most plants sold in GCs as alpines are not alpines, they just don't grow very tall. Their sideways spread is considerableimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904

    Sheps I've given you a dishonourable mention on the gallery of shame thread! image

    Check out the pics and you'll see why.

    Last edited: 29 May 2016 20:31:47

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