How to Grow Lewisia
Lewisia cotyledon
Lewisia is a succulent alpine rosette from western North American mountain cliffs. It produces vivid pink, orange, or white striped flowers in spring and early summer. The number one enemy is winter wet at the crown, which causes rot and kills plants. Plant on its side in a wall crevice or raised bed with sharp, gritty drainage. Full sun or light shade suits it well. Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage more blooms. Minimal feeding; half-strength fertiliser in spring only.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Spring only, with half-strength balanced fertiliser as new growth emerges. Do not feed heavily; lean soil suits Lewisia better than rich soil.
Watch For
- Crown rot from winter wet
- Vine weevil
- Aphids on flower stems
Companions
Sempervivum, Sedum, Saxifrage, Aubrieta
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun or light shade; avoid deep shade
Lewisia thrives in full sun or light shade. Deep shade reduces flowering. In hot climates, afternoon shade helps. Rock gardens and south-facing walls are ideal.
Spacing
20cm apart; small rosette, slow-spreading
Space plants 20cm apart. The rosette stays compact but benefits from good airflow around the crown to reduce rot risk.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; keep crown dry in winter
Water moderately during the growing season. Once established, Lewisia tolerates drought well. In winter, keep the crown as dry as possible; this is the single most important care point.
Fertilizing
Half-strength fertiliser in spring only
Feed once in spring with a half-strength balanced fertiliser as new growth appears. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds; they promote lush growth prone to rot. No feeding needed at other times.
Pruning
Deadhead spent spikes; tidy rosette in spring
Remove spent flower spikes promptly to encourage repeat flowering. In early spring, remove dead or tatty outer rosette leaves. No hard pruning is needed.
Mulching
Grit mulch around crown; never organic mulch over crown
Apply a collar of fine grit or gravel around the crown to keep moisture away from the base. Never use organic mulch directly against the crown as it retains moisture and causes rot.
Growing Tips
Sharp drainage is essential
Lewisia rots at the crown in wet conditions. Plant in gritty, free-draining soil or compost mixed with perlite or coarse grit. Raised beds, walls, and alpine troughs work well.
Plant on its side
In wetter climates, tilt the plant so water runs away from the crown. Planting sideways into a wall crevice or at an angle in a raised bed prevents water sitting in the rosette.
Deadhead to extend flowering
Remove spent flower spikes promptly to encourage the plant to produce more blooms through spring and early summer.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 20 cm |
| Row spacing | 25 cm |
| Mature height | 25 cm |
| Mature spread | 20 cm |
Succulent alpine rosette with vivid striped flowers in spring and early summer. Hates winter wet; plant on its side in wall crevices or raised beds with sharp drainage. Rock gardens, alpine troughs, and crevice gardens.
