LEWISIA Cotyledon-Hybr. [ELISE] Award WinnerFlowers Seeds,),Great In Container, Perennial. Caribbeangardenseed

It’s a whole new day for this native American perennial
Flowers reliable the first year after sowing, perfect for container production, tolerant against heat.
If you think Lewisia is too much trouble to start from seed, Elise is here to change your mind! This tremendous breeding breakthrough not only blooms just 4 to 5 months after sowing WITH NO COLD PERIOD, it also germinates far more reliably than older varieties. Now you can enjoy all the beautiful colors of this sun-lover without all the time and fuss it used to take!
Winner of Europe’s major seed award (the coveted Fleuroselect Gold Medal), Elise is actually a selection of a native American plant. Found on cliffsides and in dry or rocky soils in California and Oregon, this little beauty has succulent dark green leaves, which form a neat, low rosette, topped by clusters of 1-inch blooms. When happy, it will rebloom up to 4 times a season, keeping the garden colorful from spring through fall . . . well, make that year-round in frost-free areas: the foliage is evergreen!

Elise is like other Lewisia varieties in that it needs good drainage to be successful — a light, even a poor, soil is better than heavy clay or slow drainage. That said, Elise is wonderfully UNLIKE other Lewisias in just about every other respect. It stands up to heat and drought beautifully, reblooming freely again and again. Just 4 to 6 inches high and 6 to 8 inches wide, it’s a great choice for any setting from a rock or terrace garden to the sunny perennial bed, patio containers, the front of the foundation, and along the blazing-hot driveway.

To start the seeds, just cover them lightly (or drop them into the pre-drilled holes of the Bio Sponges) about 8 to 10 weeks before the last scheduled frost in your area. They germinate best at about 68 to 72 degrees F, growing on at slightly cooler temperatures (62 to 68 is fine, with cooler nights). As soon as all danger of frost is past, transplant them into the garden or container.

You are going to love the beauty and ease of Elise. Consider giving this neat little sun-lover as gifts in pretty pots, but be sure to save some for yourself too! Zones 3-8.
SOWING ADVICE: SEEDS CAN BE SOWN AT ANY TIME BUT ARE BEST SOWN IN WINTER OR EARLY SPRING TO BENEFIT FROM A COLD SPELL IN THE WET COMPOST TO BREAK THEIR DORMANCY. WE ADVISE COVERING SEEDS VERY THINLY WITH SAND OR FINE GRIT TO ABOUT THE DEPTH OF THE SEED SIZE. IF THE SEEDS DO NOT COME UP WITHIN 6 TO 12 WEEKS THE DAMP SEED TRAY CAN BE GIVEN COLD TREATMENT IN A FRIDGE FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS. THEY MAY STILL TAKE VERY MANY MONTHS TO APPEAR, SO PLEASE NEVER DISCARD THE POT OR TRAY.
Flower Specifications
Season: Perennial
USDA Zones: 4 – 9
Height: 8 – 12 inches
Bloom Season: Late spring to early fall
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Well drained, dry, pH 5.8 – 6.8
Planting Directions
Temperature: 64F – 71F
Average Germ Time: 21 – 28 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: Surface sow and press seeds in to soil
Sowing Rate: 2 – 3 seeds per plant
Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 12 inches