Lewisia longipetala ‘Little Tutti Frutti’ — Long-petaled Lewisia
A choice selection of one of California’s rarest alpine lewisias, ‘Little Tutti Frutti’ forms compact rosettes of narrow, evergreen, succulent leaves topped with unusually colorful flowers in apricot, peach, yellow and pink tones. The individual flowers are star-shaped and held just above the foliage, creating a beautiful display on this diminutive alpine.
The species is native to the northern Sierra Nevada of California, where it grows in high-elevation rock crevices, bouldery slopes and damp scree, often in areas that retain snow well into summer. In its natural habitat, Lewisia longipetala is particularly associated with north-facing rocky sites and melting snow, making it quite different from the drought-adapted Lewisia commonly grown in dry gardens. These are many generations into hybridization, hence the color spectrum and very adaptable to garden culture.
An outstanding plant for the alpine house, trough or carefully constructed rock garden. Give it exceptionally sharp drainage, preferably with plenty of gravel or pumice around the crown, while avoiding prolonged summer heat and drought. In regions with wet winters, planting it in a raised crevice or beneath a protective overhang is especially helpful. These do great in pots and I have a favorite strawberry pot that is adorned with Lewisia that I keep on the patio for year around enjoyment. A superb choice for collectors of true North American alpines and one of the more unusual Lewisia selections for the specialist rock garden.
Lewisia longipetala ‘Little Tutti Frutti’ — Long-petaled Lewisia
A choice selection of one of California’s rarest alpine lewisias, ‘Little Tutti Frutti’ forms compact rosettes of narrow, evergreen, succulent leaves topped with unusually colorful flowers in apricot, peach, yellow and pink tones. The individual flowers are star-shaped and held just above the foliage, creating a beautiful display on this diminutive alpine.
The species is native to the northern Sierra Nevada of California, where it grows in high-elevation rock crevices, bouldery slopes and damp scree, often in areas that retain snow well into summer. In its natural habitat, Lewisia longipetala is particularly associated with north-facing rocky sites and melting snow, making it quite different from the drought-adapted Lewisia commonly grown in dry gardens. These are many generations into hybridization, hence the color spectrum and very adaptable to garden culture.
An outstanding plant for the alpine house, trough or carefully constructed rock garden. Give it exceptionally sharp drainage, preferably with plenty of gravel or pumice around the crown, while avoiding prolonged summer heat and drought. In regions with wet winters, planting it in a raised crevice or beneath a protective overhang is especially helpful. These do great in pots and I have a favorite strawberry pot that is adorned with Lewisia that I keep on the patio for year around enjoyment. A superb choice for collectors of true North American alpines and one of the more unusual Lewisia selections for the specialist rock garden.
