Many of the blossoms of early summer belong to a hardy group of plants known as alpine plants. Trift, golden alyssum, strawberry, vernal iris, alpine aster and pinks are now bursting with color in the garden. These hardy plants barely need any care for the years of rewarding color they offer.

We often associate alpine plants with rock gardening, and it’s no wonder. In general, in their indigenous habitat, alpines grow in exposed, rocky, infertile areas. In summer the blistering sun, pounding rain and near-constant wind affect the plants. In winter, harsh and bitter-cold wind threatens their existence. Years of adapting to the difficult climate of mountainside altitude make these tough plants useful in the garden. Alpines perfectly fit the profile of plants used in container gardening and xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is the practice of designing a landscape with drought tolerance and low water use in mind.

Plants from alpine regions around the globe offer the Maine gardener a wealth of material from which to select flowering perennials for any border or rock garden. A beautiful specimen native to mountain areas from New York to Georgia is the fringed bleeding heart, Dicentra eximia. Finely dissected blue-gray foliage gives this plant a delicate look. From a tidy mound of leaves, pink-purple, heart-shaped flowers emerge on slender stems. Reaching a maximum height of 18 inches or so, the plant prefers a shaded location and rich, moist soil. Bleeding heart thrives with an invigorating division every three years or so, making it a perfect, easy-to-propagate candidate for a lovely filler in the perennial border or shady rock garden.

Another relative, Dicentra cucullaria, commonly called Dutchman’s Breeches, is a gorgeous plant native to diverse regions of North America, from Nova Scotia to Kansas. Forming a compact clump, the tuberous perennial produces lobed blue-green leaves and white, yellow-tipped flowers. Like other members of the plant’s family, which includes the common bleeding heart, Dutchman’s Breeches requires shade and deep, rich soil. After flowering in late spring or early summer, the foliage will die back, propelling the plant into dormancy for the season.

Greek anemone, A. blanda, and wood anemone, A. quinquefolia, are native to the mountains of Europe and Russia. Anemones have tuberous underground stems, from which they may be propagated. They produce simple, solitary flowers that may offer two-color combinations of pink, purple, magenta, blue and white. The blooms may be only one color, as well.

Another plant that fits the alpine mold, Allysum saxatile or golden allysum, may elicit some groans from gardeners. In the right location, the plant grows to be a massive, creeping mound of golden color in late spring. It can be a striking sight over a rock wall. Yet, it often spreads, clumps and self-sows. Reaching only 15 inches or so in height, the plant makes a nice border or edging specimen.

Other alpine species include tufted harebell, speedwell, soapwort, toadflax, thyme, primrose, Siberian catmint, flax, candytuft, rockcress, snow in summer and carpathian bellflower. Foamflower, trillium, coral bells, creeping baby’s breath sedum, creeping snowberry, goldthread, wintergreen, bluets and columbine also fit into the group.

Our own state offers its share of native alpines. Plan a mountain trek this summer and keep a look out for these species as you go. And whatever you do, resist the temptation to pull up or dig the plants. Bring along your field guide to wildflowers and try to find a local nursery that can supply the plants.

Diana George Chapin is the NEWS garden columnist. Send horticulture questions to Gardening Questions, 512 North Ridge Road, Montville 04941 or e-mail dianagc@midcoast.com. Selected questions will be answered in future columns. Include name, address and telephone number.