Lewisia rediviva (Bitter Root)
Lewisia rediviva (Bitter Root) is a small ground-hugging perennial forming a rosette of narrow succulent green leaves. In early spring to early summer, it is topped with large, deep pink to nearly white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), packed with up to 9-15 petals. Borne on short stalks, the flowers are the largest of the genus with their numerous petals surrounding a cluster of stamens.
Lewisia rediviva (Bitter Root) is a small ground-hugging perennial forming a rosette of narrow succulent green leaves. In early spring to early summer, it is topped with large, deep pink to nearly white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), packed with up to 9-15 petals. Borne on short stalks, the flowers are the largest of the genus with their numerous petals surrounding a cluster of stamens. Bitter Root is summer deciduous. It dies down after flowering and re-appears in late summer. It must be kept dry whilst dormant. A very ornamental plant, this wildflower does best in rock gardens. Lewisia rediviva is the state flower of Montana.
- Grows up to 2 in. tall (5 cm) and 4 in. wide (10 cm)
- Thrives in full sun to light shade in fast draining rocky or gravelly soil. Moisture is needed while blooming, but a period of dry dormancy is necessary after seeding.
- Perfect choice for rock gardens or containers.
- No serious pest or disease issues. This plant is easy to kill by over-watering. It must have perfect drainage as the taproot is easily rotted.
- Propagate by seed or division. Sow outdoors in late fall.
- Native to western North America.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 4 – 7 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Lewisia – Cliff Maids |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early) |
| Height | 1" – 2" (2cm – 5cm) |
| Spread | 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm) |
| Spacing | 4″ (10cm) |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona |
| Garden Uses | Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |