Golden-Yellow Bitterroot

Golden-Yellow Bitterroot (Lewisia cotyledon 'Golden-Yellow')

Golden-Yellow Bitterroot (Lewisia cotyledon 'Golden-Yellow') is a dazzling, compact perennial prized for its vivid golden-yellow blooms and attractive, evergreen rosettes of succulent foliage. Native to the rocky slopes of the western United States, this variety brings brilliant color to rock gardens, troughs, and well-drained borders while thriving in tough, dry conditions.

Distinctive Features

'Golden-Yellow' produces a profusion of bright, sunlit yellow flowers with slightly ruffled petals, often blooming in flushes from spring through early summer and sporadically into fall. The flowers rise above the foliage on short, wiry stems, creating a glowing display against the backdrop of fleshy, dark green leaves arranged in neat, low-growing rosettes. Mature plants typically reach 6 to 8 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade (prefers afternoon shade in hotter climates).
• Soil: Requires sharply drained, gritty or sandy soil; excellent drainage is essential.
• Water: Low water needs; allow soil to dry between waterings.
• Humidity: Prefers dry air; avoid excessive humidity.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8, depending on winter drainage.

Ideal Uses

• Rock Gardens: Perfectly suited to crevices and dry, rocky sites.
• Container Plantings: Thrives in troughs and alpine containers with excellent drainage.
• Front of Borders: Adds a pop of bright color in small, sunny spaces.
• Wall Plantings: Ideal for cracks in stone walls or raised beds.
• Drought-Tolerant Landscapes: Fits into xeriscapes and low-water gardens.

Low Maintenance Care

Golden-Yellow Bitterroot is a low-maintenance plant when given the sharp drainage it requires. It dislikes wet winter conditions and should never sit in soggy soil.

• Watering: Water sparingly; let soil dry out between waterings, especially in winter.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming and tidy growth.
• Fertilizing: Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring; overfeeding can reduce bloom quality.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free and disease resistant; avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
• Winter Care: Ensure excellent drainage; consider growing in containers and moving to sheltered areas during wet winters in colder zones.

Why Choose Golden-Yellow Bitterroot?

Golden-Yellow Bitterroot offers radiant blooms and evergreen foliage in a drought-tolerant, compact form that's perfect for challenging garden conditions.

• Brilliant Yellow Flowers: Adds vivid spring-to-fall color in small spaces.
• Evergreen Rosettes: Provides texture and structure year-round.
• Drought-Tolerant: Thrives in dry, rocky soils with little care.
• Compact and Versatile: Ideal for rock gardens, walls, and containers.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal attention when planted in the right conditions.

For a vibrant, low-growing perennial that excels in dry, sunny locations, Golden-Yellow Bitterroot (Lewisia cotyledon 'Golden-Yellow') is an outstanding choice.