We Get Lewisia Questions

Q: Hello, I've been looking at pictures of Lewisia cotyledon and longipetala, what's the difference between the two? Are they finicky about being transplanted? I have a few L. cotyledon that I want to separate since they're overcrowding the pot, but haven't done so since I'm not sure if they like the roots to be disturbed much or not.
Thank you!
Sherly L.

A: Hello Sherly,

Lewisia cotyledon is a variable species ranging from central California up the the Pacific coastal ranges to British Columbia. It has been hybridized to come in every color of the rainbow and the blooms are carried on fairly high stalks with sprays of several flowers.

Lewisia longipetala is from a limited area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains west of Truckee. It has only a few hybrids available and the purple to pale lavender blooms are single stalked, in low rings around the rosette.

While you can separate/divide Lewisia I do not use that as a propagation method, as to do so you have to split the caudex/root which makes it prone to rotting and other problems.

Older, larger plants bloom regularly all year so I recommend repotting in to larger pots instead of splitting them up. If you want to increase your collection start some new plants from seed (they need a couple of months in your refrigerator to germinate) or buy some babies.

Take care,
Hap