Lewis' Lewisia (Lewisia leeana)

Lewis' Lewisia

Lewisia leeana

Delicate rosettes bear vivid blooms, a rock garden gem. Evergreen succulent perennial; common name: Lewis' lewisia.

Full sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; prefers bright, cool sunlight; avoid intense midday sun in hot summer climates
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Watering Water thoroughly when the top 2 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C for short periods; thrives in cool 10–20°C growing temperatures; protect from sustained extreme heat above 28°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, fleshy linear to spatulate leaves forming dense basal rosettes; blue-green to bright green
  • Flower: Star-shaped blooms with 5–8 petals in pink, purple, or white; clustered atop slender upright stems
  • Stem: Slender, non-woody flowering stems rising 10–20 cm above rosettes
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once every 2 months. Use only diluted, low-strength fertilizer to avoid burning fleshy roots

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried, sterilized eggshells into fine powder; lightly mix into topsoil to improve drainage and add calcium; avoid overapplication to prevent soil alkalinity
Pruning
  • Trim spent flowering stems at the base to maintain neat rosette growth
  • Remove dead or yellowing outer leaves from rosette bases to improve airflow
  • Thin overcrowded rosettes every 2–3 years in early spring to reduce competition
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental alpine and rock garden plant; cool indoor container foliage