Lewisia brachycalyx

RHS Plant Profile
short-sepal bitter-root
Award of Garden Merit
Alpine Rockery

A deciduous, tufted perennial to 8cm in height, forming a rosette of narrow fleshy dark green leaves, with solitary white or pale pink flowers 3-5cm in width, borne just above the foliage

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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
SW USA

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, very well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun; a gravel top-dressing helps to keep foliage dry. Protect from winter wet; dies down in summer when it needs protecting from rain because it is dormant. Suitable for cultivation in a container in an alpine house

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Deadhead after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids under glass and to slugs and snails outdoors

Diseases

Prone to neck rot in wet conditions