Lewisia cotyledon Mix

Lewisia cotyledon, also known as Siskiyou lewisia, is a small perennial alpine plant native to the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is a delightful rock garden plant that flowers abundantly in spring, and for a good part of summer. Rising from a cluster of tough, fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette are clusters of small star-shaped flowers in vibrant colours, ranging from deep pink, pink, occasionally white, cream, yellow, orange, to apricot, depending on the plants. They only dislike waterlogged ground in winter. Plant in early spring, in well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade in warm climates.

Lewisia plants belong to the family of Portulacaceae, recently reclassified in the Montiaceae family. They are all native to the Rocky Mountains and were discovered in the early 19th century. They grow in small isolated populations in rocky crevices or gravelly scree slopes. Lewisia cotyledon is a perennial alpine plant, a stemless succulent with a caudate base, and a reddish-brown, branching root system. It readily hybridises and self-seeds in rocky terrain. Our variety brings together some magnificent forms with vibrant or delicate colours. These plants have a loose tufted habit, reaching about 25 cm (10in) in all directions, composed of glaucous succulent leaves that darken to greenish-brown with cold temperatures. The leaves measure 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6in) in length, they are narrow and spatulate in shape. Flowering occurs in spring, from March to June-July, depending on the climate. The flowers, about 3 cm (1in) in diameter, appear as star-shaped corollas with 7 to 12 shiny, with slightly fringed petals in various colours. They are clustered in corymbs and close at night.

A plant of enchanting charm, Lewisia cotyledon catches the eye with its profusion of delicate and brightly coloured flowers, which look like they have been 'grafted' onto the rocks. Whether at the edge of a flower bed, in a balcony planter, or perched on top of a wall, it is easy to find a special place for this little marvel, as long as it is protected from winter waterlogging.

Lewisia plants are also known as 'Bitter root' because their 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 regrowing to produce beautiful flowers the following summer.