Origin
Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster, commonly known as Hutchinson's lewisia, is a plant species native to the western part of North America. It is found in the mountain ranges of California, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, with some populations in neighboring areas of Nevada, Wyoming, and Washington state.
Common Names
Aside from Hutchinson's lewisia, Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster also goes by other common names, including Kellogg's lewisia, Sierra lewisia, and Kellogg's montia.
Uses
Hutchinson's lewisia is often grown in gardens and landscapes for its showy flowers and attractive foliage. Some cultivars are also used as groundcovers and rock garden plants. Some Native American tribes have utilized other lewisia species for medicinal purposes, although there is no known record of traditional uses for this particular subspecies.
General Appearance
Hutchinson's lewisia is a small herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 5-15 cm. Its leaves are fleshy and basal, forming a rosette at the base of the plant. The flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer, have five petals and range in color from white to pink and crimson. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Overall, Hutchinson's lewisia is a beautiful and hardy plant that can add vibrant color to any garden or landscape.
Light requirements
Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster requires full sun exposure to partial shade. It cannot grow in complete shade or low light conditions. Therefore, it should be planted in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Temperature requirements
The plant thrives in cool to moderate temperatures. It can tolerate low temperatures as long as it is not freezing. Optimal growth temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may experience heat stress and may need to be provided with some shade.
Soil requirements
The Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster prefers well-draining, sandy or gravelly soils that are slightly acidic. The soil should not be too rich in organic matter and should never be wet or waterlogged. The soil pH should ideally be around 6.0 to 6.5. If the soil is not well-draining, the plant can suffer from root rot.
Water requirements
The plant requires moderate watering. It should be watered immediately after planting, and then the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering. It is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. During hot, dry periods, it may be necessary to increase the frequency of watering.
Cultivation Methods
Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. For indoor cultivation, grow lights are essential to ensure the plant receives adequate light. The plant should be grown in peat-based soil mixtures that are well-draining. For outdoor cultivation, grow the plant in partial shade to full sun and in well-draining soil that is low in fertility.
Watering Needs
Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster prefers damp to mildly moist soil during its growth phase, and you should water it once every week. It is preferable to water the plant early in the day, so the water can evaporate from the leaves during the day, reducing the risk of disease.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to ensure optimal growth and blooming of the Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster plant. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium components. Fertilize the plant once every three months, after repotting or when newly planted and be careful not to over-fertilize because this can burn the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary because the Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster plant is compact and doesn't grow to an intrusive height. However, if the plant gets too leggy or looks messy, snip off the dead petals and the stems that hold them. This encourages new growth and potentially, a new cycle of blooming although the plant is technically a short-lived perennial.
Propagation of Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster
Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster, commonly known as Hutchison's lewisia, is a beautiful flowering plant native to the western United States. This plant has stunning flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white. Hutchison's lewisia is a perennial plant, which means it can live for more than two years. If you want to grow this plant in your garden or greenhouse, you would be happy to know that this plant is easy to propagate.
Propagation from seeds
Hutchison's lewisia is primarily propagated from seeds. This method is simple and easy, which makes it ideal for home gardeners. You can collect the seeds from mature plants in late summer. The seeds should be planted immediately, as they lose their viability quickly. You can sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, and keep the soil moist. Germination usually occurs within three weeks, and you can expect the seedlings to flower in the second year.
Propagation from cuttings
You can also propagate Hutchison's lewisia from stem cuttings. This method is not very common, but it works best in late summer or early fall. To start, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut it at an angle. Remove all the leaves from the lower end of the cutting and dip it into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, and keep the soil moist. Place the pot in a shaded area and wait for the cutting to form roots. Once the roots have formed, you can transplant the cutting into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Propagation from division
Lastly, you can propagate Hutchison's lewisia by division. This method involves separating the clumps of the plant into smaller sections. This is best done in late summer or early fall. To start, carefully dig up the plant and separate it into smaller pieces. Each piece should have its set of roots and leaves. Plant each section in a well-draining potting mix, and keep the soil moist. You can transplant the new plants into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster
Lewisias are popular garden plants, known for their vibrant and showy flowers, and resistance to drought. However, these plants can be susceptible to common diseases and pests, which can damage their health and appearance. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests affecting Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster, and ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Leaf spot: Leaf spots are circular or irregularly shaped lesions on the leaves. They are caused by fungal pathogens and can cause the leaves to turn brown or yellow and drop prematurely. To manage leaf spots, remove the infected leaves and provide proper air circulation to prevent the disease from spreading. Fungicides may also be applied to control the spread of the disease.
2. Root rot: Root rot is a common fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and die. This disease is caused by poor drainage and overwatering. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering the plant. If the plant is already infected, remove the dead and decaying roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts other pests and can lead to the growth of black sooty mold. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a solution of soap and water or insecticidal soap.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and drop prematurely. They also produce fine webbing, which can cover the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to wash off the mites or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
By managing common diseases and pests, you can keep your Lewisia kelloggii K. Brandeg. ssp. hutchisonii Dempster healthy and blooming throughout the growing season.
