PerennialReference.com
Brought to you by Hallson Gardens

Delosperma (del-oh-SPER-muh)

Common Name:  Ice plant

Light:  - Full sun to part sun

Soil:  Average to sandy, very well-drained

Moisture:  Relatively dry

Blooms:  Summer

Zones:  varies, generally 6 - 9


Delosperma congesta

Delosperma cooperi

Delosperma Description and Cultural Information

Delosperma congesta, yellow ice plant. 2 - 4". Beaded, succulent foliage accenta 1" wide bright yellow flowers on this tightly growing ice plant. Zones 6 - 9. (Sometimes listed as Delosperma congestum).

Delosperma cooperi, Cooper's ice plant, hardy ice plant. 6". This trailing groundcover has single, deep rose pink flowers all summer over shiny, deep green, succulent-like foliage. Zones 6 -10.

Delosperma nubigena, yellow ice plant. 2 - 4". Chartreuse-yellow, daisy-like flowers over shiny, light-green trailing foliage. More hardy than D. cooperi. Zones 6 - 10.

Delosperma x 'Mesa Verde'. 2". A dwarf, alpine form with iridescent salmon pink flowers all summer long. Has proven hardy to 7000' in Rocky Mountain trials but extensive snow cover likely helps to protect plants. Zones 6 - 8.

Delosperma x 'Table Mountain'. 2". A selection from South Africa that has shown relatively good cold hardiness. Blooms are bright fuchsia. Zones 6 - 9.

How to Grow:  Delosperma is relatively easy to grow in hot, dry areas in full sun. They don't mind the occasional deep watering during hot, dry weather but require excellent drainage to prevent crown rot. Divide from spring to fall by taking small clumps or cuttings which root quickly. In colder zones you can take cuttings inside for the winter, keeping them on the dry side, and replant the following spring, or treat as annuals.

Landscape uses:  Delosperma is a terrific, long blooming perennial groundcover for hot, dry, sunny areas. Combine them with other drought tolerant plants such as Junipers, Sedums, and Sempervivums.

Botanical Name Index   Gardening Forums

Hallson Gardens
© 1999 - 2020 Hallson Gardens. All rights reserved.
sponsor advertisements