About

Lewisia cotyledon, the Siskiyou lewisia, is a rosette-forming, evergreen perennial with fleshy, strap-shaped leaves and open sprays of abundant, funnel-shaped flowers 1.5�2.5 cm across in purplish-pink, orange, yellow or white, borne on stems to 20 cm in spring and summer. One of the most popular and rewarding of all alpine plants for a sunny, very well-drained alpine house or raised bed.

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

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden
Native toW USA

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, neutral to acid, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Suitable for the alpine house, rock garden, or in the crevices of a retaining wall. Protect from winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or offsets
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to neck rot in wet conditions