Scientific Name
Lewisia cotyledon (S.Watson) B.L.Rob.
Common Name(s)
Siskiyou Lewisia, Cliff Maids
Synonym(s)
Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon, Calandrinia cotyledon, Lewisia finchae, Lewisia finchiae, Lewisia purdyi, Oreobroma cotyledon
Scientific Classification
Family: Montiaceae
Genus: Lewisia
Description
Lewisia cotyledon is an attractive perennial with fleshy spoon-shaped leaves that form a flat rosette above a long, tough taproot. The leaves are dark green and up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. From spring to summer, the inflorescence arises on one or more up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall stems, each bearing an array of up to 50 flowers. The flowers can be pale pink with darker veining, whitish with pinkish-orange striping, or solid orange to yellow.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 3a to 8b: from −40 °F (−40 °C) to 20 °F (−6.7 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Lewisias produce offsets that are the easiest way to propagate this interesting little succulent. Simply divide them from the parent plant and pot them up to grow good taproot and fleshy feeder roots.
You can also learn how to grow Lewisia from seed. The tiny plants take a couple of seasons to form a rosette but establish easily when sown in a sandy potting mixture.
Once the plants are placed in a garden situation, provide them with moderate water, excellent drainage, and a minimum of nutrients. It couldn't be simpler to grow Lewisias. The primary thing to remember is to avoid excessively fertile soil and compacted or clay situations.
Lewisia is not susceptible to many insects or disease problems. So, provided you don't give it too much water, and it doesn't freeze too deeply in winter, this garden gem will be with you for a long time.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Lewisia.
Origin
This species is native to southern Oregon and northern California, where it grows in rocky subalpine mountain habitat.
Links
- Back to genus Lewisia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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