5 Lewisias of OUR choice £40.00

(Portulacaceae). Genus of approximately 20 speices of deciduous or evergreen perennials from W. North America, with fleshy rootstocks and rosettes of succulent leaves. The genus Lewisia embodies a delightful range of colour with the added attraction of an incredibly long flowering period. Ideally the plants thrive in a sloping, well-drained, outdoor rockery with a northerly aspect to provide some shade but will also thrive planted up in the sides of walls or as a pot plant. The trick is not to allow the crown to become waterlogged when watering: other than this they are hardy little chaps. When planting up use a well-drained compost veering to the acidic side, whether it be in a sink or trough. Two parts John Innes No 3, one part peat and one part grit is ideal. With judicious deadheading they will bloom from April to the end of September.