A group of herbaceous or sub-shrubby plants which were originally collected from mountainous regions such as the Alps, Andes & Himalayas. Normally found growing above the tree line, this group of low growing & extremely hardy plants thrive in full sun & gritty free draining soil.  

 Under this umbrella name of alpine you will find many varieties that were never grown in the mountain regions but have been either bred by man or their natural home is another open environment such as coastal areas.