Lewisia cotyledon Elise White

Lewisia cotyledon 'Elise White' brings the elegance and simplicity of pure white to this series of Siskiyou Lewises selected for their ability to flower at a very young age, from the first year of cultivation. On these adorable little perennials, a multitude of brightly coloured small star-shaped flowers bloom in spring and a good part of summer. Lovely in rock gardens, Lewisia 'Elise' are also very decorative plants for sunny flower pots. Plant in well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade in hot climates.

Lewisia plants belong to the Portulacaceae family, recently reclassified into the Montiaceae family. They are all native to the North American Rocky Mountains and were discovered in the early 19th century. They grow in small isolated populations in rocky crevices or gravelly scree. Lewisia cotyledon 'Elise White' is an evergreen perennial, stemless, with an underground storage organ called a caudex and a reddish-fusiform, branched, and pivot root system. It hybridizes and self-seeds easily in rocky terrain.

The 'Elise' selection brings together some magnificent forms with very vivid or very tender colours: sumptuous shades of pink, salmon, orange, white, and yellow, on single or bicoloured flowers. These plants have a loose tufted habit, reaching about 25cm (10in) in all directions. They form rosettes of succulent dark glaucous leaves that blush with the cold. The leaves measure 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, are narrow, and spatulate-shaped. The flowering takes place in spring, from March to June-July, earlier or later depending on the climate. The flowers, about 3cm (1in) in diameter, are star-shaped with 7 to 12 shiny, slightly fringed petals. They are grouped in small bouquets carried by a stem overhanging the rosettes of leaves. They close at night.

A charming little plant, Lewisia cotyledon 'Elise White' captivates with an abundance of delicate and bright flowers that appear to be 'grafted' onto the stones. Whether in a border, in a pot on a balcony, or placed on top of a wall, it is easy to find a special place for this little marvel, away from winter humidity, which it fears more than the cold.

Lewisia is also known as 'Bitter root' because its edible roots, covered with a bitter skin, were traditionally harvested by indigenous tribes to be consumed once peeled and cooked, grilled, or dried, and even served as currency. It is said that a plant kept dry for five years is capable of resurrecting to produce beautiful flowers the following summer. At least, that was the adventure experienced by a curious London botanist.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in a sheltered place (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outside once the risk of frost has definitively passed.