276 saves
Lewisia
We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Lewisia varieties
Track your Lewisia in Sow
Save the Lewisia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Lewisia
Whats common across all Lewisia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Lewisia year
- PlantMarch, April, September and October100% of varieties
Plant in extremely well-drained soil or scree mix
- DeadheadMay and June86% of varieties
Cut spent flower stalks back to the base to tidy the plant
- MulchMarch and April57% of varieties
Apply grit or gravel mulch around the crown to ensure drainage and prevent rot
- Winter PrepOctober and November57% of varieties
Ensure sharp drainage. Protect crown from winter wet with a gravel mulch.
Do
- Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging 🌱
- Provide full sun for optimal growth
- Water sparingly, especially in summer
- Fertilize during active growth months
- Water sparingly, especially in summer 🌱
Avoid
- Overwater plants, risking root rot ❌
- Keep in heavy clay soil without amendment ❌
- Expose to excessive humidity or shade ❌
- Neglect drainage, leading to water pooling ❌
What goes wrong with Lewisia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Mealybugs | White cottony spots on stems | Apply horticultural oil or wipe with alcohol |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spots | Spotted or discolored foliage | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide |
| Fungal leaf spot | Brown spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
Making more Lewisia
Seed
- Tuck seeds lightly into moist, well-draining soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination, about 2–4 weeks.
seed
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil and mist regularly.
- Maintain consistent moisture for 4–6 weeks until germination.
- Transplant seedlings when they are strong enough.
Lewisia questions
How many types of Lewisia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Lewisia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 276 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Lewisia grow in?
Across its varieties, Lewisia covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lewisia bloom?
Most Lewisia varieties bloom in early summer, late spring to early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lewisia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.