Bitterroot ‘Little Plum’
Lewisia longipetala

 

Like jazz, America's indigenous art form, "bitterroot" has more fans in Europe than at home. But that's changing. Finally, this beautiful native genus (first collected by the Lewis & Clark expedition, hence the name) is getting some respect here, too. Although it's known as a great rock garden specimen, it's being rediscovered as a flowering potted plant, outdoors or in.

Lewisia are native to western North America, and one of the most treasured rock garden plants. They form a low, fleshy rosette of tough evergreen leaves, bearing large star-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer. Requires good drainage for proper growth.