Willy World: Bitter Root (Lewisia cotyledon)

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Garden: Bitter Root (Lewisia cotyledon)

Bill
The Garden Helper
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Lewisia cotyledon (Bitter Root) is native to the Pacific Northwest.

It prefers cooler climates, where it should be grown in full sun, but can be grown in warmer areas if it is planted in light shade. Lewisias are also suitable for container plantings.

The most critical requirement for growing Lewisias is near-perfect drainage around the plant's crown to prevent rot during the winter months. (fine gravel or granite grit should be added around the crown at planting time)

Lewisias are easily hybridized, and propagated by seed which may be sown in Spring or Fall.
Most Lewisias are hardy to USDA zone 5.