This genus consists of around 19 species of exquisite, semi-succulent, evergreen and deciduous, alpine and subalpine perennials of the portulaca family (Portulacaceae). They are found in the Rocky Mountains from New Mexco in the U.S.A. to southern Canada and usually form rosettes or tufts of fleshy, linear, lance- or spatula-shaped leaves. Their starry many-petalled flowers may be solitary or clustered and are borne at the end of short wiry stems. Yellow, apricot, and pink shades pre-dominate. Hardy plants, they provide interest in rock gardens or even against a wall. The genus is named for North American explorer Captain Meriwether Lewis (1774-1809) of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-07. Lewisia rediviva is the state flower of Montana.
CULTIVATION
Most species have deep taproots and prefer a gritty, humus-rich, free-draining soil that remains moist in the growing season but is otherwise dry. Plant in full or half sun and use gravel mulch around the crown to prevent rotting. The deciduous species generally only reproduce from seed, but evergreen plants can be propagated from seed or offsets.
Top Tip
These Rocky Mountain natives are wonderfully hardy. They are able to take root in rocky banks and gardens, as well as in the crevices of a retaining wall.
CULTIVATION
Most species have deep taproots and prefer a gritty, humus-rich, free-draining soil that remains moist in the growing season but is otherwise dry. Plant in full or half sun and use gravel mulch around the crown to prevent rotting. The deciduous species generally only reproduce from seed, but evergreen plants can be propagated from seed or offsets.
Top Tip
These Rocky Mountain natives are wonderfully hardy. They are able to take root in rocky banks and gardens, as well as in the crevices of a retaining wall.
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