How to Grow and Care Lewisia

Lewisia is a genus of flowering succulents endemic (found only in) to Western North America.  Because they do best in very well-drained, low fertility soils, they are great additions to rock gardens and scree beds and can also be successfully grown in raised beds and containers.  They grow best where humidity is low during the summer and require good air circulation around the plant's crown to prevent fungal disease.  The blooming and growing seasons of many Lewisias is prolonged if given some afternoon shade.  Although their fleshy leaves make them drought tolerant, they can be watered freely during the growing season.  Those that have a dormant period should be kept drier during their dormancies. 

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.

source pic: pinterest.com

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; 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 apart and larger ones up to 20 cm 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 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.


Insects and Disease:

Few problems with insects or disease. Mealybugs can be a
problem if infected plants are nearby. Root rot can overcome
potted plants or even garden plants if soil moisture is excessive
for long periods especially under cool conditions.

Comments: Lewisia are generally considered rock garden plants preferring a well drained soil and bright sun. In containers use a open potting mix and grow a little on the dry side.

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