Lewisias are herbaceous perennials native to north facing cliffs in western North America. They are members of the Montiaceae, a family that also includes Claytonia and purslanes. This cultivar is clump-forming, evergreen and grows up to 6″ tall. It forms rosettes of spoon-shaped dark green leaves that are fleshy, waxy, and up to 3″ long. In late spring and summer loose cymes of conical, purple-pink flowers with magenta veins appear. Plants are best grown in a wall crevice or scree but is also a good choice for alpine and rock gardens. They grow best where summers are cool. The genus name, Lewisia, honors the American explorer Meriwether Lewis (1774 – 1809) of Lewis and Clark fame. Lewis discovered the first Lewisia in 1806.
Type: Evergreen perennial
Bloom: Clusters of purple-pink flowerw with magenta veins in late spring to summer
Size: 6″ H x 4″ W
Light: Partial sun to full sun
Soil: Average, medium moist, very well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 5-8
Care: Put gravel around the crown when planting to ward off rot.
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, slugs, snails, crown rot in wet conditions
Propagation: Division of offsets
Companion Plants: Chiastophyllum oppositifolium, Arenaria balearica, Ramonda myconi
Karen Meyers