Lewisia pygmaea
alpine lewisia
A compact, deciduous perennial with tufted, dark green and fleshy, linear to lance-shaped leaves up to 8cm long. Semi-erect to prostrate stems bear white, pink or red flowers up to 1.5cm in diameter from late spring into early summer, the petals of which may be deeply veined
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Pink Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
- Western N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed or offsets
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to neck rots in wet conditions
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