About
Lewisia brachycalyx, the short-sepal bitterroot, is a deciduous, tufted perennial to 8 cm forming a rosette of narrow, dark-green, fleshy leaves. Solitary, white or pale-pink flowers 3�5 cm across are borne just above the foliage in spring. A charming and compact lewisia for a sunny, very well-drained alpine house or trough.
About the genus
Lewisia are herbaceous or evergreen perennials from North America forming rosettes of fleshy leaves and producing panicles of open, funnel-shaped flowers in a wide range of colours in spring and summer. Best grown in a sunny, very well-drained alpine house or raised bed.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Native toSW USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, very well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun; a gravel top-dressing helps to keep foliage dry. Protect from winter wet; dies down in summer when it needs protecting from rain because it is dormant. Suitable for cultivation in a container in an alpine house
PruningDeadhead after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids under glass and to slugs and snails outdoors
Disease resistanceProne to neck rot in wet conditions