Alphabetical Plant Listing

Lewisia rediviva (Bitter Root)

Bitter Root, Oregon Bitter-root, Bitterwort, Bitterroot


Lewisia rediviva (Bitter Root) is a small ground-hugging perennial forming a rosette of narrow succulent green leaves. In early spring to early summer, it is topped with large, deep pink to nearly white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), packed with up to 9-15 petals. Borne on short stalks, the flowers are the largest of the genus with their numerous petals surrounding a cluster of stamens. Bitter Root is summer deciduous. It dies down after flowering and re-appears in late summer. It must be kept dry whilst dormant. A very ornamental plant, this wildflower does best in rock gardens. Lewisia rediviva is the state flower of Montana.

  • Grows up to 2 in. tall (5 cm) and 4 in. wide (10 cm)
  • Thrives in full sun to light shade in fast draining rocky or gravelly soil. Moisture is needed while blooming, but a period of dry dormancy is necessary after seeding.
  • Perfect choice for rock gardens or containers.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. This plant is easy to kill by over-watering. It must have perfect drainage as the taproot is easily rotted.
  • Propagate by seed or division. Sow outdoors in late fall.
  • Native to western North America.

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 7
Heat Zones 4 – 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lewisia - Cliff Maids
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1" – 2" (2cm – 5cm)
Spread 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm)
Spacing 4" (10cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona
Garden Uses Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden

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Matt Lavin, Flickr, By Marina Poushkina, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 7
Heat Zones 4 – 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lewisia - Cliff Maids
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1" – 2" (2cm – 5cm)
Spread 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm)
Spacing 4" (10cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona
Garden Uses Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden

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