About
Lewisia rediviva, the bitterroot, is a deciduous alpine perennial with rosettes of narrow, succulent, dark-green leaves up to 5 cm. In early spring and summer, large, many-petalled, pink or white flowers to 5 cm across bloom above the foliage, after which the plant dies back into summer dormancy. The stunning state flower of Montana, and one of the most rewarding of all alpine bulbous-rooted perennials 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, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationIdeal for an alpine house, rock garden or scree, where plants can receive resonable amounts of water in spring, but drier winters. See scree gardening for more information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or offsets
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids under glass, and slugs and snails outside
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to neck rots in wet conditions