Lewisias are small, colourful flowering plants which are native to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Named after the US explorer Lieutenant Meriwether Lewis, these plants are wonderful for providing colour in rock crevices in a cool climate.
Plant details
Common name: Lewisia. Also known as bitter root
Botanical name: Lewisia cotyledonHybrids
Description: Small evergreen perennials with rosettes of deep green fleshy leaves and a deep tap root. Grows to a height of 30cm (12″) and spread of around 15cm (6″). Clusters of white, yellow, apricot, mauve or pink flowers appear from spring to early summer. Some flowers may have a contrasting margin colour or stripes which run from the stamen to the petal edge.
Likes:
- semi-shade
- well-drained, humus-rich soil
Dislikes: Water on the rosettes (can cause rot)
Climate: Lewisias prefer the cooler climates, such as mountain regions, but will grow in coastal areas in southern Australia in a well-drained soil. Lewisias can also be grown inland if given protection from hot sun and hot wind. In marginal climates try these plants in pots in well-drained potting mix.
Availability:
1. Potted plants
These plants may be difficult to locate, so contact your local nursery, or one of the following: Cloudehill Nursery, 89 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda, VIC, 3788. Phone: (03) 9751 1009. Fax: (03) 9751 2534.
Jack-In-The-Green Primula Nursery, 207 Ashbourne Road, Woodend, VIC, 3442. Phone: (03) 5427 1381. Mail order available.
Perennial Charm Nursery, Hoopers Road, Barmah, VIC, 3639. Phone: (03) 5869 3227. Mail order service available.
Lewisias in 7.5-10cm (3-4″) pots range in price from $2 to $7.50.
Open garden
The segment was filmed at Don Schofield’s garden at Mt Tomah (90 minutes drive west of Sydney in the Blue Mountains on Bells Line of Road). ‘Winterwood’ will be open to the public on 19-20 September and 26-27 September and again on 3-4 October and 10-11 October, 1998. Opening hours are from 10am-5pm. Admission $3.
‘Winterwood’
Skyline Road
Mt Tomah NSW 2758
Did you know?
The roots of this plant are said to be remarkably long lived. A London botanist reputedly found a lewisia trying to grow among his dried plant specimens which had been collected nearly five years before. The botanist planted it and was rewarded with beautiful pink flowers the following summer.