About
Claytonia megarhiza is a low-growing evergreen perennial, reaching up to 5 cm in height. It develops a rosette of thick, spoon-like leaves, with a set of shorter, upright leaves emerging from the center. During early summer, it produces clusters of cup-shaped flowers that can vary in color from light to deep pink, nestled among the central foliage. This species thrives in an alpine house or within a scree bed.
About the genus
Claytonia encompasses both annual and perennial species, which may be either deciduous or evergreen. These plants feature succulent leaves and produce small flowers that can be pink or white in color.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0-0.1 metre
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Rock garden
- Native to
- USA (Rocky Mountains)
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in gritty, humus-rich, sharply drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing seed in a cold frame in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free