Lewisia cotyledon Galaxy Mix - seeds

Lewisia cotyledon Galaxy Mixed, also known as Siskiyou Lewisia mix, brings together different cultivars and hybrids from a small, evergreen alpine perennial, native to the Rocky Mountains of North America. These are delightful rock garden plants that flower profusely in spring. Rising from a rosette of tough, fleshy leaves are clusters of small star-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of pink, red, salmon, or orange, depending on the plant. They only dislike the stagnant humidity of our winters around their taproots. Sow in spring in well-draining soil in full sun, or partial shade in warm climates.

Lewisias are plants of the Montiaceae family, recently reclassified from the purslane family. They are all native to the Rocky Mountains and were discovered in the early 19th century. They grow in small isolated populations in rocky crevices or gravelly scree slopes. Lewisia cotyledon is a perennial, evergreen, stemless succulent with a pivot root system. It readily hybridises and self-seeds in rocky terrain. The Galaxy Mixed blend brings together some magnificent forms with vibrant colours. These plants have a loose clumping habit, reaching about 25 cm (10in) in all directions, composed of glaucous succulent leaves that darken to greenish-red with cold temperatures. The leaves measure 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6in) long and are narrow and spatulate. Flowering occurs from March to June, depending on the climate. The flowers are about 3 cm (1in) in diameter, star-shaped with 7 to 12 shiny, slightly fringed petals in various colours. They are grouped in corymbs and close at night.