American Beauty V

The Bitterroot genera Lewisia and Cistanthe have become very popular during the recent decade. Hybrids of Lewisia cotyledon (Common Bitterroot), especially, are a common view in every German garden center - often presented in a shrieking mixture of flower colors, causing serious eye problems ...

Cistanthe tweedyi, however, is a really noble plant, suitable for rock gardens. Common names are Tweedy's Pussypaws, Tweedy's Lewisia, or Tweedy's Bitterroot. It features wonderfully colored, delicate flowers that do not appear in masses but are much larger than those of the Common Bitterroot. The species is native to western North America (Washington and British Columbia). In the garden, it prefers an excellent drainage, and needs some special care therefore.

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