Lewisia HYBRID

Lewisia HYBRID - Hybrid lewisia, Hybrid mixture, Cliff maids.

A perennial with magnificent flowering!

Lewisia is a genus of unique perennial herbaceous succulents in the family Montiaceae, numbering about 20 species. In the natural habitat, the plant can be found at fairly high elevations on rocky slopes (800-4000 m (2625-13123 ft) above sea level) in western North America. Representatives of the genus are endemic to this region.

The root system of the plant with small tubers grows strongly and deeply into the soil, firmly holding a rounded basal rosette whose height does not exceed 30-40 cm (12-16 in). The fleshy leaf blades are colored dark green. Thick leathery leaves with glaucous down of elongated or lanceolate shape can be either entire or dentate. An erect peduncle 15-20 cm (6-8 in) high rises above the foliage, at the top of which a cluster of large buds opens.

Lush, vivid, and magnificent flowering is the primary value of this unique garden plant. The size of lewisia flowers, compared to the size of the plant, is simply immense; the diameter of a single flower reaches 5 cm (2 in). Complex inflorescences with a bright yellow center and long petals with a ragged margin abound in variations of bright shades. The rich color palette of buds includes white, pink, and orange tones combined with red, yellow, and lilac shades, with spots and streaks. There are cultivars with flowers of two different shades.

Throughout autumn and spring, lewisia is covered with attractive green leaves. Flowering in most species begins in May-June and continues until August-September, after which the foliage dies back, but there are species in which foliage develops in autumn and flowering occurs in early spring. After flowering, a rounded fruit up to 4 mm (0.16 in) in diameter is formed.

Seeds require a 30-day period of stratification - kept in a cold environment at a temperature of 4-5 °C (39-41 °F). In home conditions, the seeds are placed in the refrigerator. In our store, seeds are stored in a cold environment; upon purchase, specify the duration of the completed stratification.

Seeds are sown superficially and covered with a thin layer of loose soil. They are moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light at a temperature of 21-22 °C (70-72 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. Excessive moisture and drying out of the sowings must be avoided. Stratification can also be carried out after planting. In this case, the planting container is placed in the refrigerator for 30 days.

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Growing conditions are not that simple and require following several rules for care and maintenance. The plant must be provided with a brightly lit location without direct sunlight. Moderately warm temperature conditions of around 20 °C (68 °F) during active growth and cool conditions of around 12 °C (54 °F) during the cool winter dormant period are required.

Regular and moderate watering is necessary, allowing the soil to dry out at least halfway down before the next watering. In the winter months, the soil simply must not dry out completely. In the natural habitat, thanks to a long root system, lewisia is capable of extracting water from the soil even on the driest days. In rainy weather, it is advisable to cover the small bushes.

When watering, water is applied strictly at the root without moisture entering the center of the leaf rosette or onto the flowers. The plant reacts extremely negatively to waterlogged soil and rots easily. It does not require misting. In autumn and winter, the air should be dry. It prefers well-ventilated rooms with constant air movement.

Well-drained soil with the addition of 50% coarse river sand is required. Ready-made mixes for succulent plants are suitable. The possibility of waterlogging and water stagnation in the soil must be eliminated. The root collar is mulched with gravel or pebbles for better moisture runoff.

Adult plants are repotted every 2-3 years in spring with the onset of new growth. During repotting, the plant is set at the same depth at which it was situated previously. Feeding is applied every 3-4 weeks during the period of active growth, each time alternating organic fertilizers with liquid mineral fertilizers at half concentration. An excess of nutrients negatively affects the condition of the plant.

Pruning and shaping of lewisia is carried out after the end of flowering and complete drying of the flower stalks. Flower stalks are carefully removed from the plant by cutting. The plant reacts very negatively to pruning during flowering.

Cultivars adapted to temperate latitudes require winter protection. The plant is covered with fallen leaves or straw. To prevent waterlogging during spring thaws, evergreen cultivars are tightly covered with containers or glass jars. Deciduous cultivars do not require such shelter.