Lewisia are compact, alpine perennials prized for their rosettes of fleshy, evergreen foliage and vibrant star-like flowers that appear from spring into early summer. Native to rocky slopes of western North America, they require excellent drainage and thrive best in full sun or light shade, ideally in a rock garden, alpine trough, or crevice planting where water can run freely. Despite their delicate appearance, Lewisia are surprisingly hardy and drought tolerant once established, though they dislike winter wet. Their bright blooms attract pollinators and add a splash of colour in challenging, dry spots where few other plants will thrive. A semi-evergreen plant, it can provide winter interest in gravel gardens, rockeries and coastal schemes.

Lewisia are easy to care for and require very little maintenance once they're established. You will need to give them attention to begin with to help them get off to a strong start, here's what to do:

How to plant:

—Plant as soon as possible after delivery (ideally within a week). If you can't plant immediately, get it out of the packaging on the day of delivery, water the plant and position it in a bright place. Lewisia plants are supplied as root balls which is like a potted plant with soil on the roots.

—It's possible to plant root-ball Lewisia plants directly into a clear space in a well cultivated border, depending on the soil type, moisture levels and growing conditions in the border. The soil would need to be free-draining and weed free. Avoid planting them directly into a space which will become over-crowded by more established plants during the growing season. If the growing space has more challenging growing conditions, e.g. poor soil or it is densely planted with other plants, it is recommended to pot up root-ball plants into 15-20cm pots and grow them on outdoors until they are larger before planting them into the border. When they're more established, they will be able to cope better with the conditions and competition.

—Once established in their temporary pots, (usually by early summer if planted in autumn) Lewisia can be transplanted to borders, allowing 20-30cm between each plant. The plant will be ready to transplant when it easily comes out of the pot with the soil held together by the roots.

—Plant bare root balls so that the root system is fully submerged in the compost, leaving top growth exposed above the soil surface.

—If planting root ball plants directly into the garden, choose a sunny or partially shaded position with rich, free-draining soil with at least 30cm of space around it. Add multipurpose compost to each planting hole to help the new roots grow.

—Water-in after planting and continue to water regularly whenever the soil feels dry 3-4cm below the surface. Pay particular attention to watering during the first year.

— Lewisia are hardy perennials, there is no need to protect them from frost over winter, although newly-potted plants may need some cover during cold snaps.

Aftercare:

—Lewisia usually take 2-3 years to form a mature clump. It may not flower in the first year but will produce a neat rosette of fleshy, evergreen leaves.

—New growth emerges in early spring, with flowers appearing from late spring into early summer, and sometimes again in late summer if conditions are right.

—Remove spent flower stems after blooming to encourage further flowers and to keep the plant tidy.

—Lewisia is semi evergreen so may lose a few lower leaves in winter. Remove any dead or damaged foliage to improve air flow and tidy its appearance

—Ensure excellent drainage, especially in winter. In wetter climates, a gravel mulch or slightly sloped planting position will help prevent waterlogging.