As Lynn says, there are a lot of easy alpine plants, and also difficult ones. If you live in the mountains, they are easier to grow, in general, than at lower elevations. Alpine plants naturally grow in mineral soils with very little nutrition. The main thing is fast drainage. In containers, I use a mix that is approximately three-quarters mineral, one-quarter compost(or regular houseplant potting mix). The mineral component can include sand, pea gravel, grits of all types, pumice, limestone, perlite, etc. --- all different aggregate sizes. Try not to use all sand (or all small particle size), and never use the fine particled sand like what is used for cigarette depositories. Small particles hold much more water and have fewer air spaces. Varying particle sizes is best. For the compost component, larger particles are better, as they continue to decompose anyway.
An alpine container mix and my favorite compost material-Fafard 52 mix.
Granite grit is what is available for me, and sometimes it comes with an excessive amount of fine particles and rock dust. I use a regular window screen to sift the fine stuff out. In the mix above is sizes #2 and #4. As mentioned before, there are a lot of alpines that tolerate less than ideal soils, so you will find that this mix may not be needed for every alpine plant species.
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Alplains is a well known and respected seed source among alpine and rock gardeners.
