We get 16" of annual precipitation here (including snow) - dryness is not a problem for a vast number of species of very desirable alpines. (And edelweiss grows easily here - I have it out in regular soil out along the sidewalk - as do various dianthus species.) Heat can be a problem for some species, but I strongly suspect your problem was more likely insufficient drainage...
Are you familiar with the Scottish Rock Garden Society? There is a large number of European rock gardeners participating in it, and you can see what they grow (and how they grow it) by looking at the forum (or better yet, by participating as a member):
http://www.srgc.net/forum/inde...
