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Cliff Maids, Lewisia cotyledon
Meet my new plant crush, Lewisia. Apparently, it wasn’t love at first sight. I’d glazed over this evergreen perennial at backyard shops most likely one million occasions as a result of it wasn’t flowering, and my ideas have been all the time, I’ve no actual curiosity on this tiny, fleshy factor. However had I first seen it in bloom in a backyard, reaching its full potential and never stunted in a constricting four-inch container, then I’d have positively been an early groupie. Additionally, I’m pretty sure I wasn’t conscious this was a California native. As a result of if I had identified, then I’d’ve been like, I like crops which are California native, like me.
Right here’s why I’m a Lewisia convert.
Let’s begin with the accolades. Lewisia (also referred to as cliff maids) received the distinguished Award of Backyard Advantage of the Royal Horticultural Society. Not too shabby. It’s simple to see why it garnered consideration. This low-maintenance evergreen perennial grows into a formidable rosette of succulent-like darkish inexperienced fleshy leaves which are formed like lengthy spoons. However as I discussed, it’s not the foliage that led to my change of coronary heart. The attention-catching function are the sprays of essentially the most charming funnel-shaped flowers. Opening to about one inch throughout on sturdy six-inch stems, the flowers begin their present within the late spring and proceed by summer time, or later if comfortable. Starting from pale pink, yellow, to white, salmon or magenta, the fragile petals beg for a better inspection of its well mannered detailing and inventive shading between hues.
Hailing from Southern Oregon and Northern California, this candy however hardy plant is called after the explorer Meriwether Lewis, who first found its shut relative Lewisia redevia whereas on the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition. Fairly small and reaching solely 8 to 10 inches tall, this plant ultimately grows right into a surprisingly charming bouquet that’s discovered on rocky cliffs in excessive elevations. Its sturdy root construction and deep faucet root helps it cling to a rugged terrain. You’ll be able to assist this plant thrive in your backyard by making an attempt to recreate its pure surroundings. This implies planting it in very quick draining soil and ideally grown sideways, tucked right into a rocky wall in order that any extra water will drain away from the crown.
Associated: My artful husband constructed a inexperienced roof for our little free library. I stuffed the “planter” with quick draining succulent soil and added a six-pack of Lewisia. Due to the pitch of the roof, these cuties ended up being planted on an angle, like their native habitat. I additionally added some Sedum ‘Blue Spruce’ and ‘Cape Blanco’ to the combo. After just a few days, the Lewisia began blooming like loopy, beckoning and welcoming curious readers to the library.
Cheat Sheet
- So pretty and searching proper at dwelling in rock gardens, crevice gardens, inexperienced roofs, and containers.
- Understandably attracts butterflies and different pollinators.
- Lower the flowers and add to tiny flower preparations.
- Nice companion crops embody: Campanulas, Sedums, and fellow California native Dudleyas
Preserve It Alive
- Plant these cuties in full solar close to the coast or half solar inland the place summers are sizzling.
- Prefers barely acidic sandy soil that could be very well-draining. I’ve mine planted in succulent soil.
- Plant them excessive within the soil to maintain the crown dry.
- Lewisia isn’t a thirsty plant and is drought tolerant as soon as established. Defend from overly moist winters if doable.
- Appreciates a prime dressing of granite to simulate its native rocky dwelling.
- Prune away spent flowers to delay blooming.
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