H6 in. x W8 in. This Siskiyou native has deep pink flowers on long stems radiating from blue green, cylindrical leaves with a pink cast, like a sea-anemone atop a short trunk. Best in rich but gritty soil in full sun or partial shade, it blooms heavily in late spring and early summer. In the wild, it disappears into dormancy during summer heat and drought, springing to life again in fall. The plants can be kept evergreen with a bit of summer moisture and shade. This can be a challenging plant even for specialists, made easier with an alpine house or covered frame. Hardy to Zone 5.

Lewisia are intriguing, western American natives, and among the most highly esteemed rock-garden plants. Rosettes of fleshy, succulent leaves bear striking flowers in spring to early summer. They need rich, gritty soil in sun or partial shade. Growth occurs in fall and spring, and plants should be kept on the dry side during a period of summer rest.