Lewisia plugs 4 September 2020 at 7:23PM in Greenfingered MoneySaving 7 replies 51 views

Medz

Hi

I have purchased 6 Lewisia plugs. Unhelpfully they arrived without any planting instructions. 

I’m planning to use multi purpose JI no.3 compost (because I already have some).  Is that ok for an alpine? 

Can anyone tell me the minimum space I should leave between each plug when I plant them? 

Many thanks and best wishes.

Catsacor

Not sure i'd use any compost, Lewisia like sharp, thin, poor, free draining,'soil' for its roots, it likes a sunbaked location and any moisture retained around it will just make it rot and die.
I grew mine in the crevices of my drystone wall, it had all the drainage it needed, got baked in the sun, and tumbled nicely down the sides - try and work yours into that kind of set-up.

As for planting distance, 6 inches maybe - but, don't line them up like soldiers, stagger them in a random pattern, this plant is to create a scrambling, 'loose' effect/display. 

Medz

Thank you for replying Catsacor.  Novice (clueless) gardener here.  The Lewisia were an impulse buy as they are so beautiful. 

I thought I might grow them in a window box. I actually considered making a rockery but I really think that might be too ambitious for me. 

Is poor free draining soil what I would find readily in a flower bed; or do I buy it; or do I mix it up myself? 

Catsacor

You would have to adulterate that soil with the majority grit, perhaps create a rock garden in that window box, with large pebbles on the base, then gritty soil, plant the Lewisia amongst it.
......just a thought here though ....... those plugs might have to be 'brought on' before actually 'planting them out' into your window box.
Plug plants usually need to be matured and that's the 'bringing on' process.

Medz

Ah ok. I need to get some grit this weekend then. 

Here is a photo of the plugs. Are they ok to plant out? I can’t remember what was said on the infomercial; but I thought they were good to go. 

Davesnave

They are better in a stone wall or somewhere vertical like that. A trough will get too wet in the winter, so a gritty outcrop on a rockery is the most they'll usually tolerate. Having said that, my very healthy nerines frequently become waterlogged here to a depth of several inches, so what do I know?

Wasn't those evil women at H*l*ft nursery was it? >:)They know how to persuade....or their photographer does!

Medz

Hi Dave,

I have attached a photo of a niche in my garden wall that is empty. How would you recommend I ‘install’ the plugs? 

Davesnave

SDS drill and remove some small sections of mortar at the back of the shelves, but with care.