How to Plant Lewisia Cotyledon

Lewisia cotyledon is native to the northwestern U.S. and is a favored plant for a rock garden. Its rosette, succulent leaves form a low-growing but dense plant. It produces flower stalks that reach about 12 inches tall, on top of which star-shaped white and pink striped flowers appear. However, many hybrids give rise to other shades, including lavender and purple. Lewisia cotyledon is an excellent choice for many gardens and, with proper care, it can become a staple in yours.

Coarse sand
Grit
Crushed rock
Gravel

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a location that has light afternoon shade to grow Lewisia cotyledon. It can grow in full sun too, but grows best with some protection from the hot afternoon sun.
- 2
  Incorporate 25 to 50 percent more coarse sand, grit or crushed rock into the existing soil if it is not already gritty or rocky. Without these conditions, Lewisia cotyledon is short-lived. It does not grow well in regular, loamy soil, even if it's well draining, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.
- 3
  Plant Lewisia cotyledon so the crown is just above soil level. This ensures good air circulation, which the plant needs to thrive.
- 4
  Apply 2 to 4 inches of crushed rock or gravel around the Lewisia cotyledon garden bed, getting under the plant, but leaving about 2 inches of space between the rocks and plant crown.
- 5
  Water Lewisia cotyledon with 1 inch of water after planting. Water it about once every two weeks the first growing season; after establishment, it rarely needs supplemental water.

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