How to Grow Lewisia George Henley
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Lewisia George Henley
Lewisia cotyledon 'George Henley'
flowerLewisia George Henley is a stunning alpine perennial cultivar known for its striking rose-pink flowers with white edges and prominent red veining. This compact, rosette-forming succulent produces abundant blooms on short stems above fleshy foliage, making it ideal for rock gardens and containers. It combines the hardiness of its species with exceptional ornamental appeal.
When should you plant Lewisia George Henley in your zone?
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Example Lewisia George Henley timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lewisia George Henley
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Lewisia George Henley blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lewisia George Henley dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, tolerates zone 3 with protection
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Get my Lewisia George Henley timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-6 weeksTiny rosettes emerge with 2-4 small fleshy leaves; very delicate
Keep soil barely moist, provide bright indirect light, ensure excellent air circulation to prevent damping off
Juvenile Rosette
6-12 monthsCompact rosette with increasing fleshy foliage, gradually thickening leaves with reddish tones
Transition to full sun gradually, reduce watering frequency, allow drier periods, avoid overfeeding with nitrogen
Flowering
4-8 weeks (spring-early summer)Multiple flower stems (3-5 inches tall) emerge with striking rose-pink flowers featuring white-edged petals and red veining; blooms densely clustered
Provide full sun to develop intense color, support stems if needed, continue moderate watering, remove faded flowers to extend bloom
Post-Flowering & Dormancy
6-8 monthsFlowers fade and wither; rosette may produce offsets; plant enters semi-dormancy with minimal growth
Reduce watering significantly, allow drier conditions, minimize fertilizer, prepare for winter by ensuring excellent drainage to prevent crown rot
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure perfect drainage, avoid wetting crown, provide excellent air circulation, remove affected plants immediately, treat remaining plants with fungicide if widespread
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and
Use copper barriers, hand-pick in evening, encourage ground beetles, avoid mulch that retains moisture near crown
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Increase humidity slightly, spray with water to dislodge, use miticide if severe, ensure adequate air circulation
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Inspect regularly, remove with cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap in early infestations
Uses
Not edible
CulinaryLewisia is not used culinarily and contains no nutritional or medicinal value for consumption. [source]
Rock garden and alpine displays
HouseholdPerfect for rock gardens, alpine troughs, raised beds, scree gardens, and container cultivation. The vibrant flowers and compact form add year-round visual interest to challenging garden sites. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdShort-stemmed flower clusters can be used in miniature vases or alpine arrangements for fresh floral displays, lasting 5-7 days indoors with fresh water. [source]
Specimen plant for collectors
CraftHighly prized by alpine plant enthusiasts and succulent collectors for its exceptional flower color and reliable performance. Often featured in specialty nurseries and plant society shows. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeDelicate pink flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects during spring blooming season, providing early-season pollen and nectar sources in alpine habitats. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested in the traditional sense. Enjoy blooms in situ or cut 3-4 inch flowering stems for alpine arrangements when fully open. Deadhead spent flowers below the flower cluster to encourage continued blooming. Allow some flowers to set seed if you wish to collect seeds in late summer for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lewisia cotyledon was nearly extinct in the wild and is found naturally only in a small region of the Siskiyou Mountains on the California-Oregon border. The 'George Henley' cultivar is a specially selected form prized for its vibrant two-tone petals.
- 🌱 This plant is named after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806), reflecting its Pacific Northwest native heritage.
- 🌱 Lewisia George Henley was selected and named to honor and commemorate George Henley, a renowned alpine plant enthusiast and gardener in the UK, recognizing his contributions to alpine horticulture.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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