Lewisia cotyledon ‘Rainbow’ is a spectacular little alpine perennial, producing clusters of jewel-like flowers in a beautiful mixture of pink, apricot, orange, yellow, white and deep rose-red. The flowers appear on slender stems above neat rosettes of fleshy, evergreen foliage, with a delightful mixture of single, rounded and semi-double blooms. Flowering in spring and early summer, these compact plants bring an incredible splash of colour to even the smallest garden.
 
Perfect for alpine troughs, rock gardens, gravel gardens and terracotta pots, Lewisia ‘Rainbow’ thrives in exceptionally well-drained, gritty soil. These hardy perennials prefer a sunny or lightly shaded position with protection from excessive winter wet, making them particularly suited to raised beds and containers where drainage can be carefully controlled. Their low-growing habit and colourful flowers make them a beautiful addition to any collection of unusual perennials.
 
When to Sow: Feb–Mar or Oct–Nov
 
HOW TO SOW
SEEDS NEED COLD STRATIFICATION
For autumn sowing, surface sow seeds onto moist, well-drained seed compost and cover very lightly with fine vermiculite or grit. Place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse to experience natural cold stratification over winter.
For spring sowing, place seeds between damp kitchen paper inside a sealed zip-lock bag and refrigerate at around 4°C for 5–6 weeks before sowing as above. Keep compost lightly moist but never waterlogged. Germination can be irregular. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots using gritty, free-draining compost and grow on in cool, bright conditions
 
Classification: Hardy Perennial
Expert Level: Some experience required
Germination Time: 3–4 weeks after suitable conditions are provided, sometimes longer or irregular
Flowering Time: Apr–Jun
Site: Full sun or partial shade, ideally with cool roots and protection from excessive winter wet
Soil Type: Gritty, sandy, moderately fertile and exceptionally well-drained
Soil Acidity: Acid to neutral
Moisture: Moderate moisture during active growth, allowing excess water to drain freely and avoiding waterlogging
 
Care: Grow in raised beds, rock gardens or containers with excellent drainage. Protect the crown from excessive winter wet, avoid burying the rosette and remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming
Use: Alpine troughs, terracotta pots, rock gardens, gravel gardens, raised beds and containers
 
Days to Maturity: Flowers in year one or two, depending on sowing time
Height: 25 cm