Cliff Maids
Lewisia cotyledon
Also listed as Calandrinia cotyledon, Oreobroma cotyledon
Also known as Siskiyou Lewisia
Climate Match for your location
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Lewisia cotyledon is a compact alpine perennial with succulent foliage and vibrant flowers in shades of pink, white, coral, and orange. It thrives in rocky, well-drained locations and is excellent for rock gardens, alpine troughs, and vertical crevice planting.
Why grow it
Lewisia cotyledon offers reliable alpine color for gardeners working with challenging rocky or sloped sites where many perennials struggle. Compared to other Lewisia species, cotyledon tolerates slightly less spartan conditions while maintaining the compact habit and extended flowering period typical of the genus. Its ability to establish in vertical crevices and shallow alpine troughs makes it particularly useful for maximizing limited growing space in rock gardens.
Watch out for
These plants are sensitive to winter moisture and perform best where drainage remains excellent even during dormancy. In humid climates or where air circulation is poor, fungal issues around the crown can develop. Established plants resent disturbance, so site placement should be considered carefully at planting time rather than relocated frequently.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Montiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America (Oregon, California)
Native to: California, Oregon
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Sunset Strain produces coral-to-orange flowers, while Rainbow Mix displays a spectrum from white through deep pink. Both are popular for container and rock garden cultivation.
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Lewisia cotyledon is a compact alpine perennial with succulent foliage and vibrant flowers in shades of pink, white, coral, and orange. It thrives in rocky, well-drained locations and is excellent for rock gardens, alpine troughs, and vertical crevice planting.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cliff Maids grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Lewisia cotyledon offers reliable alpine color for gardeners working with challenging rocky or sloped sites where many perennials struggle. Compared to other Lewisia species, cotyledon tolerates slightly less spartan conditions while maintaining the compact habit and extended flowering period typical of the genus. Its ability to establish in vertical crevices and shallow alpine troughs makes it particularly useful for maximizing limited growing space in rock gardens.
Watch out for
These plants are sensitive to winter moisture and perform best where drainage remains excellent even during dormancy. In humid climates or where air circulation is poor, fungal issues around the crown can develop. Established plants resent disturbance, so site placement should be considered carefully at planting time rather than relocated frequently.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Montiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America (Oregon, California)
Native to: California, Oregon
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Sunset Strain produces coral-to-orange flowers, while Rainbow Mix displays a spectrum from white through deep pink. Both are popular for container and rock garden cultivation.