Scientific Name
Lewisia longipetala (Piper) S. Clay
Common Name(s)
Truckee Lewisia, Long-petalled Lewisia
Synonym(s)
Oreobroma longipetalum, Calandrinia longipetala, Lewisia pygmaea subsp. longipetala
Scientific Classification
Family: Montiaceae
Genus: Lewisia
Flower
Color: Pinkish
Bloom Time: Spring to summer
Origin
This species is endemic to the Sierra Nevada of California, known from less than 20 locations in areas not far from Lake Tahoe.
Description
Lewisia longipetala is a perennial plant growing from a slender taproot and caudex unit. It produces a basal rosette of many thin but fleshy, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long leaves.
The inflorescence is made up of several flowers on short stalks. Each flower has around eight petals, each up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, pinkish, and tipped with a resin gland similar to those on the edges of the bracts and two small sepals.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 4a to 8b: from −30 °F (−34.4 °C) to 20 °F (−6.7 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Lewisia plants produce offsets, which are the easiest way to propagate this interesting little succulent. Simply divide them from the parent plant and pot them up to grow good taproot and fleshy feeder roots.
You can also learn how to grow Lewisia from seed. The tiny plants take a couple of seasons to form a rosette but establish easily when sown in a sandy potting mixture.
Once the plants are placed in a garden situation, provide them with moderate water, excellent drainage, and a minimum of nutrients. It couldn't be simpler to grow Lewisias. The primary thing to remember is to avoid excessively fertile soil and compacted or clay situations.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Lewisia.
Links
- Back to genus Lewisia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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