Origin
Lewisia columbiana (T.J. Howell ex Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. wallowensis (C.L. Hitchc.) J.E. Hohn ex B. Mathew, commonly known as Columbia lewisia or bitterroot, is a perennial plant found in western North America. Its natural range includes British Columbia, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
Common Names
Columbia lewisia goes by several common names such as bitterroot, pink bitterroot, and cliff maids. These names are derived from its bitter-tasting roots, which were traditionally used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes to treat digestive and respiratory problems.
Uses
Columbia lewisia is primarily used as an ornamental plant in home gardens and landscapes. Its vibrant pink flowers and fleshy leaves make it a popular choice for rock gardens, crevices, and alpine habitats. Additionally, the bitterroot has cultural significance to Native American tribes who traditionally used its roots for various medicinal purposes.
General Appearance
Columbia lewisia is a low-growing perennial plant with fleshy, deep green leaves that form a rosette. Its stems are short and sturdy, typically growing to a height of 4-6 inches. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer, producing showy pink or white flowers that have a diameter of 1-2 inches. The flowers have five petals and grow in clusters on top of the fleshy stems. Bitterroot requires well-drained soil, and its optimal conditions are full sun or partial shade.
Plant Growth Conditions for Lewisia columbiana
Lewisai columbiana, also known as the Columbia lewisia, is a flowering plant that is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It thrives in alpine environments and can be found growing in rocky crevices and on steep slopes.
Light Requirements
Lewisia columbiana requires full sun to light shade. It prefers bright, but indirect light and can be damaged by intense, direct sunlight. If the plant is grown indoors, it should be placed near a southern or western-facing window that receives direct sunlight for at least 4-5 hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
The Columbia Lewisia thrives in cool temperatures and can tolerate below-freezing temperatures. However, it is important to note that it cannot tolerate high heat. In hotter regions, the plant should be placed in a location that is protected from intense sunlight and kept cool to prevent heat stress.
Soil Requirements
The Columbia Lewisia prefers a well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Sandy or rocky well-draining soils are ideal for the plant. A soil pH of 5.0 to 6.0 is suitable for optimal growth. It is important to avoid soils that are too heavy or clayey, as they can retain too much water and cause root rot.
Cultivation of Lewisia columbiana (T.J. Howell ex Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. wallowensis (C.L. Hitchc.) J.E. Hohn ex B. Mathew
Lewisia columbiana (T.J. Howell ex Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. wallowensis (C.L. Hitchc.) J.E. Hohn ex B. Mathew is a small and attractive alpine plant that requires specific cultivation conditions.
When cultivating Lewisia columbiana ssp. wallowensis, choose a planting location with well-draining soil. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.0 to 6.0. Additionally, it is recommended to plant in areas with partial shade to protect the plant from intense sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations, which can damage it.
Watering Needs for Lewisia columbiana (T.J. Howell ex Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. wallowensis (C.L. Hitchc.) J.E. Hohn ex B. Mathew
Lewisia columbiana ssp. wallowensis requires well-draining soil, which means it requires watering more frequently than other plants. During the growing season, water the plant every 7-10 days to maintain evenly moist soil. When watering, it is important to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can lead to fungal growth or sun damage.
Fertilization for Lewisia columbiana (T.J. Howell ex Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. wallowensis (C.L. Hitchc.) J.E. Hohn ex B. Mathew
Lewisia columbiana ssp. wallowensis does not require frequent fertilization. During the growing season, apply a slow-release fertilizer with low nitrogen levels every 3-4 weeks. Overfertilizing can lead to excessive growth and weak stems, making the plant more susceptible to disease and pests.
Pruning for Lewisia columbiana (T.J. Howell ex Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. wallowensis (C.L. Hitchc.) J.E. Hohn ex B. Mathew
Pruning is not necessary for Lewisia columbiana ssp. wallowensis. However, removing spent flower stems can help the plant divert more energy into vegetative growth and promote longer blooming periods.
Propagation of Lewisia columbiana ssp. wallowensis
Lewisia columbiana ssp. wallowensis is a beautiful and hardy plant that is commonly propagated by seed, division, and stem cuttings. Here's more information on each method:
Propagation by Seed
Seeds of Lewisia columbiana ssp. wallowensis should be sown in the early spring or fall in well-drained soil. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden bed or started indoors and transplanted later. The seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil and should not be covered with soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged until the seedlings emerge.
Propagation by Division
Division is an easy and effective way to propagate Lewisia columbiana ssp. wallowensis. The plant can be divided in the fall or spring, when new growth appears. To divide the plant, gently dig up the entire plant and separate the clump into several sections, each with its set of leaves and roots. Replant each section in a well-draining soil mix, and water thoroughly.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another way to propagate Lewisia columbiana ssp. wallowensis. It's best to take stem cuttings in the early summer when the plant is in its active growth phase. Cut a 3- to 4-inch stem from the parent plant, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The cutting should root and develop new growth within a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Lewisia columbiana (T.J. Howell ex Gray) B.L. Robins. ssp. wallowensis (C.L. Hitchc.) J.E. Hohn ex B. Mathew
Lewisias, including the Columbian Lewisia (Lewisia columbiana), are generally immune to pests and diseases as long as they are grown in well-draining, gritty soil and provided ample sunlight. Nevertheless, several factors may still lead to disease and pest problems, including:
Diseases
Root rot is the most common disease that affects Lewisia. The disease is caused by fungi such as Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, and Pythium. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering the plant or keeping it in poorly-drained soil. If you suspect root rot, remove the affected plant from the soil and dispose of it immediately. Do not replant in the same spot to avoid re-infection.
Leaf spot is another disease that may affect Lewisia leaves. It is caused by fungi such as Alternaria and Phoma. You can manage leaf spot by removing infected leaves and promoting good air circulation around the plant.
Pests
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that may sometimes cause deformities in Lewisia flower buds and leaves. You can control thrips by using neem oil or insecticidal soap spray. Spray the plant thoroughly, making sure to coat the undersides of the leaves where thrips are most likely to hide. Repeat the treatment every 5-7 days until the infestation is under control.
Spider mites may also be a problem for Lewisia. These tiny, sap-sucking insects usually thrive in hot, dry environments. To control spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant and spray it with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Focus on the undersides of the leaves since spider mites usually live and feed there. A strong stream of water is also useful for knocking off mites from the plant.
Lastly, slugs and snails may sometimes feed on Lewisia leaves and flowers, leaving ragged holes behind. You can deter these pests by applying diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant, creating a barrier for them. You can also place copper strips around the pot, as the reaction of the copper with slime secretion similarly repels them.
By following good cultural practices and implementing appropriate disease and pest management strategies, you can minimize the risk of disease and pest attacks on your Lewisia plant.
