Lewisia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Lewisia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Bitterroot: Cultivation & Garden Use

Members of the Lewisia genus are small hardy perennials. They have rosette leaves that carry stiff stems.

Atop of these stems Lewisia has cup shaped flowers of white, pink, purple or red; these come into bloom from spring through to the first months of summer.

One of the common names for Lewisia is Bitterroot.

Lewisia rediviva - Bitterroot by Brewbooks.

How to Grow Bitterroot - Lewisia

Bitteroot can be grown from seeds outdoors by sowing fresh ripe seeds on the surface when available (late autumn/ early winter). They can grow in either sunny or lightly shaded areas of the garden that have a rich, gritty and moist soil. Ideally the pH that Bitterroot grows in will be of pH 5 to 8.

If you first plan to start Bitteroot off indoors, be aware that they are quite hard to grow. The seeds should be first imbibed by placing the seeds (within soil) in a black plastic bag, then placing in the fridge for five weeks. Seeds should then be sown out at a temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59°F). They can take anything from one to two years to germinate. They should be allowed to grow for a further year before transplanting outside.

Small species of Lewisia should be spaced at about 5 cm (2 inches) apart and larger ones up to 20 cm (8 inches) apart. If you require more Lewisia then plant the aerial rosettes that the plant produces in the summer; this is much easier than growing bitterroot from seed.

Caring for bitterroot, Lewisia Plants

Once growing Bitterroot and other Lewisia are quite difficult to look after. Plants are susceptible to crown rot, so set the crowns about 3 cm (1 inch) above the soil, and fill the gap between the crown and soil with stone chippings.

It is important to protect the Lewisia plants from overhead water, so try to grow under a crag in the rock garden. Additionally it is important to make sure that they have an adequate supply of water, so water from below to keep the soil around Lewisia moist.

Common Questions

How many members does the Lewisia genus have?

The Lewisia genus comprises around 20 species, all known for their rosette of succulent leaves and vibrant flowers.

Do members of Lewisia make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Absolutely! Lewisia plants are excellent for rock gardens, alpine troughs, or any well-drained, sunny spot in the garden.

Which Lewisia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown species is Lewisia cotyledon, often called Siskiyou lewisia. It's popular for its variety of flower colors and long blooming period.

Are members of the Lewisia plant genus fragrant?

Lewisia plants are not noted for their fragrance, but their colorful flowers are certainly a feast for the eyes.

What is the perfect location to grow Lewisia?

Lewisia prefers a sunny location with well-drained, even rocky soil. It's an ideal plant for rock gardens or succulent collections.

Is Lewisia invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Lewisia species are not considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Lewisia plants from my garden?

To remove Lewisia, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring to remove all roots to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Lewisia genus, belonging to the Montiaceae family, comprises perennial plants native to North America. Known for their rosettes of fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers, these plants are often used in rock gardens and containers.

Lewisia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, sandy soil. It is drought-tolerant once established. Propagation is typically achieved through seeds or division, generally in the spring or fall.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Lewisia plants. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Zinnia, Clematis plant, and Gaura plants.