Overview
Lactuca alpina is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Lactuca, part of the Asteraceae family. It is native to upland and mountainous parts of Europe.
About the genus
Lactuca, commonly known as lettuce, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. The genus includes at 117 recognized species, distributed worldwide, but mainly in temperate Eurasia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lactuca", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lactuca
In the garden
Lactuca alpina is a perennial herbaceous species in the Asteraceae, known in Britain as alpine sow-thistle or alpine blue-sow-thistle. It originates from upland and mountainous parts of Europe, so its natural preferences reflect cooler, higher-elevation conditions rather than lowland heat. For cultivation in the UK, aim to replicate aspects of its native upland environment: sites that avoid prolonged high temperatures and that retain a steady, cool root run. Avoid hot, exposed lowland beds where soil and air warm rapidly through summer. Because the species is perennial and herbaceous, give it space where it can regrow each year and not be overwhelmed by taller, woody neighbours. In a garden scheme, place Lactuca alpina where a summer herbaceous display is appropriate—areas intended to mirror upland meadows or mountain-edge plantings. Its seasonal interest centres on its summer flowering period, which in the UK runs from June to August, and should be considered when planning mixed perennial sequences to ensure continuity of bloom.
Plant details
Lactuca alpina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herbaceous
- Native to
- upland and mountainous parts of Europe
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Lactuca genus
- Lactuca bourgaeiLettuce
- Lactuca plumieriLettuce
- Lactuca sativa 'Anguilla'
- Lactuca sativa 'Bastille'PBRlettuce 'Bastille'
- Lactuca sativa 'Doppler'lettuce 'Doppler'
- Lactuca sativa 'Habanera'PBRLettuce
- Lactuca sativa 'Kigalie'PBRLettuce
- Lactuca sativa 'Volare'PBRLettuce