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Lewisia brachycalyx

short-sepal bitter-root

A deciduous, tufted perennial to 8cm in height, forming a rosette of narrow fleshy dark green leaves, with solitary white or pale pink flowers 3-5cm in width, borne just above the foliage

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink White Green
Summer Pink White
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Montiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Lewisia can be herbaceous or evergreen perennials forming rosettes of fleshy leaves, with panicles of open funnel-shaped flowers in a wide range of colours in spring and summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SW USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow 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

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Deadhead after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids under glass and to slugs and snails outdoors

Diseases

Prone to neck rot in wet conditions

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