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Description
Lewisia Rediviva, also known as bitterroot or cliff maids, is a small, herbaceous perennial plant native to western North America. It belongs to the family Montiaceae and is the state flower of Montana. The plant produces a beautiful, showy, pink or white flower that blooms in late spring or early summer. The flowers are cup-shaped and have five petals, each with a bright yellow center. The plant also has succulent leaves that form a rosette at the base.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Montiaceae |
| Genus | Lewisia |
Appearance
Lewisia Rediviva is a small plant, growing up to 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide. The plant has succulent leaves that are green or bluish-green in color, forming a rosette at the base. The leaves are oblong or spatulate in shape, measuring 1-3 inches long and 0.2-0.4 inches wide. The flowers are showy and cup-shaped, measuring 1-2 inches in diameter. They come in shades of pink or white, with five petals and a bright yellow center. The flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and last for several weeks.
Care Guide
Lewisia Rediviva is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:Water: Bitterroot prefers well-drained soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.Fertilization: Bitterroot does not require fertilization but can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.Soil: Bitterroot prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.Sunlight: Bitterroot requires full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent the plant from drying out.Hardiness Zones: Bitterroot is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bitterroot is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. The plant can also be affected by spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
Habitat
Bitterroot is native to rocky slopes, cliffs, and meadows in western North America, from British Columbia to California and east to Montana and Wyoming. The plant grows in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil and requires full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can withstand drought and cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow bitterroot in a container?
A: Yes, bitterroot can be grown in a container as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.Q: How often should I fertilize bitterroot?
A: Bitterroot does not require fertilization but can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.Q: How often should I water bitterroot?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.Q: Is bitterroot a good plant for rock gardens?
A: Yes, bitterroot is an excellent plant for rock gardens as it prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to bitterroot:- Lewisia cotyledon- Lewisia rediviva ‘Little Plum’- Lewisia tweedyi- Lewisia longipetala
References
– “Lewisia rediviva.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 27 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b672– “Lewisia rediviva.” Plant Database. Accessed 27 August 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lewisia+rediviva– “Lewisia rediviva.” Washington Native Plant Society. Accessed 27 August 2021. https://www.wnps.org/plants/lewisia-rediviva
