About
Lewisia pygmaea, the alpine lewisia, is a compact, deciduous perennial with tufted, dark-green, fleshy, linear to lance-shaped leaves up to 8 cm long. Semi-erect to prostrate stems bear white, pink or red flowers up to 1.5 cm across from late spring into early summer, the petals often deeply veined. A charming miniature 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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toWestern N America
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 rots in wet conditions