Lewisia rediviva
Lewisia rediviva is the rare BC native known as bitterroot with star-shaped, white to pink flowers from succulent foliage.
Lewisia rediviva is a very special and rare BC native known as bitterroot. It is a small, low-growing, alpine-type plant with succulent rosettes emerging in late winter and spring, going dormant by flowering time. The large, star-shaped flowers range in colour from ivory white to deep pink to lavender blooming from late spring to early summer. Requires good drainage and full to part sun. Must be kept dry while dormant in summer and fall to avoid rotting the tap root. Plant in containers, rock or gravely alpine gardens, and in crevices of crevice gardens or retaining walls with good soil depth for the thick, branched tap roots. Attracts native bees. Likely hardy to zone 3b. Photo: Wikimedia.
Common Name: Bitterroot
Family: Montiaceae (The Miner's Lettuce Family)
Zone Hardiness: 4-8
Light: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
Height: under 4"
Width: 4-8"
Primary Bloom Colour: White/Cream
Secondary Bloom Colour: Pink
Bloom Time: Late Spring - Early Summer
Foliage Colour: Green
Class: Evergreen
Type: Perennial
Soil Moisture: Average, Dry, Drought Tolerant
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: No
Berries:
Benefits: Bees
Deer Resistant: Yes
BC Native: Yes
Native Habitat: From low to moderate elevations in dry grassland, open shrublands and forests, and in dry, rocky or gravelly soils from south central and eastern BC south to Arizona and California.
Award:
Geographical Origin: North America
