Alpine Plants

Alpine Plants, low-growing perennial herbs, or wiry undershrubs, many of which are remarkable for relatively large and showy flowers, natives of the upland pastures of the Alps, Pyrenees, or other mountain ranges. Their flowers often melt their way through the snow, and many of them are pollinated by butterflies, a group of insects reaching high altitudes. In cultivation these plants require protection from drought, direct sunlight, and often from frost, being accustomed to the protection of snow. They include many species of Ranunculus, Potentilla, Saxifraga, Hieracium, Campanula, Gentiana, Primula, Dianthus, etc.