Description

Cliff maids are found in the Cascade Range of northern California and southern Oregon. They naturally grow in open, rocky settings with little competition from other plants. The small basal rosette of evergreen succulent leaves lie quite close to the ground, often covered by snow in the winter in its native clime. In late winter or early spring a dome of brightly colored flowers appears. The petals of the flowers are decorated with a single stripe of color along the center, surrounded by another color often quite distinct from the center color. The colors vary from white to yellow, orange, or violet. Whatever the colors, they glow dramatically for several weeks. There are several named selections that vary by flower color. ‘Rainbow mix,’ as the name implies, displays the full range of color possibilities. Cliff maids prefer well draining, rocky soil, and fairly dry conditions during the summer. Afternoon shade in the summer seems to suit them best away from the coast. Cliff maids are an excellent choice for a rock garden or container.