PlantFiles: Tweedy's Lewisia
Lewisia tweedyi

Todd, I have been reading your most informative posts on Saxifraga and Lewisia in particular because I am in the process of building an Alpine garden and, in particular, a good size raised succulent bed. Several things perplex me and I have come to an expert for assistance. I hope you don't mind.

Several times you mention that you have a particular plant growing in scree. I have some plants that require this type of a location too but don't have any idea about how to construct one. Can you offer any informaton I can use?

Also, I live on the Pacific Coast just above the border with Washington state and our soil is acidic. That is fine for some of the plants I have but others require a slightly alkaline soil. I know that you can add lime to create this type of soil but I have no idea how much lime to use. Could you please give me a ratio. So much lime to so much soil, pebbles and sharp sand.

I tried to e-mail you through Dave's "mail" site but I still can't figure out how to use most of Dave's site. Ann did e-mail me once so I know that it can be done. Dave, would you please be so kind as to forward this to Todd as an e-mail? I don't think using the "comment" section in this way, as others already know these things or they would have asked, is right but I could not find any way to send this as an e-mail and my plants really do have to get planted soon.

Thank you for your help!

Some authorities claim this species to be THE most desirable alpine! Big claim, but this species is indeed spectacular when you see a well-grown specimen. This is a fairly large Lewisia with a rosette of succulent, shiny, bright green leaves and short stems topped by a single 2-3" flower of a lovely apricot-pink. This species is among the most difficult as it required protection from winter wet. Provide part-shade and well-drained soil. Ideal for an alpine trough. It is native to the Wenatchee Mountains of Washington and the Walathian Mountains of British Columbia.