The creeping shrubby ice plant, Delosperma cooperi, is a low-maintenance groundcover known for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers and unique foliage. This succulent perennial is celebrated for its resilient nature, allowing it to thrive in challenging conditions and transform landscapes with its vivid display.
Understanding Creeping Shrubby Ice Plant
The creeping shrubby ice plant (Delosperma cooperi) is a succulent perennial native to South Africa. It forms a dense, spreading mat of foliage, typically 3 to 6 inches tall and spreading up to 24 inches or more. Its fleshy, narrow leaves are often cylindrical and possess a glistening quality that helps reflect harsh sunlight. In colder temperatures, the foliage may take on an attractive reddish hue.
This plant is known for its abundant, long-lasting flowers that emerge from late spring through summer, often continuing until frost. These showy, daisy-like blooms are typically vibrant magenta to purplish-pink, though other Delosperma varieties offer yellow, orange, or white flowers. The blossoms open in full sun and close at night or during cloudy weather. This hardy plant is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, tolerating temperatures as low as -20°F.
Planting Creeping Shrubby Ice Plant
Creeping shrubby ice plant thrives in full sun exposure, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and prolific blooming. While it can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, insufficient light may lead to reduced flowering and leggy growth.
Well-draining soil is essential for Delosperma cooperi, as it is highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Sandy or gravelly soils are ideal. Heavy clay soils should be amended significantly with coarse sand and gravel to improve drainage.
When planting, ensure proper spacing for its spreading growth habit. Plants can be spaced approximately 12 to 24 inches apart. Dig a hole deep enough for the entire root ball, ensuring the top of the plant’s soil line is flush with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil around the roots and water thoroughly to help settle the plant.
Ongoing Care for Creeping Shrubby Ice Plant
Once established, creeping shrubby ice plant is low-maintenance. While drought-tolerant, occasional watering benefits the plant, particularly during hot, dry periods or active blooming. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering cycles to prevent root rot, as overwatering is a common issue for this succulent. Reducing water frequency in the fall helps the plant harden off for winter.
The plant requires full sun exposure to maintain its dense growth and vibrant flower production. Fertilizing Delosperma cooperi is generally not a frequent requirement; it can thrive in lean soils. If growth appears weak or flowering is sparse, a light application of a balanced, low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer in the spring can provide a boost. Over-fertilization, particularly with high nitrogen, can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers and may make the plant more susceptible to winter damage.
Pruning is not strictly necessary but can maintain appearance and encourage bushier growth. After the main flush of blooms fades, trimming back spent flowers (deadheading) and any leggy stems can promote continuous flowering and a tidier mat. In mid-spring, remove any foliage that has died back over winter to refresh the plant.
Common Uses and Benefits
Creeping shrubby ice plant is versatile in landscape design. Its mat-forming, spreading habit makes it an excellent groundcover, effectively suppressing weeds and helping to prevent soil erosion, particularly on slopes and embankments.
This succulent is a popular choice for rock gardens, where its trailing stems can cascade over rocks, adding vibrant color and texture. Its drought tolerance and preference for well-draining conditions make it suitable for xeriscaping, reducing the need for irrigation. Delosperma cooperi also performs well in containers, hanging baskets, and along borders or pathways. It is deer-resistant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Creeping shrubby ice plant is generally robust, but can encounter issues related to environmental conditions. Root rot is the most frequent problem, typically resulting from overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include yellowing, drooping, or mushy leaves and stems. To address this, reduce watering frequency and ensure the plant is in a location with excellent drainage, potentially amending the soil with more sand or gravel if needed.
A lack of blooms often stems from insufficient light exposure. If the plant is not receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, it may produce lush foliage but few flowers. Relocating the plant to a sunnier spot or ensuring nearby plants are not casting too much shade can encourage more prolific flowering. Over-fertilization can also promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
The plant is generally resistant to serious pests and diseases. However, occasional infestations of aphids or mealybugs can occur. These can often be managed by spraying the affected areas with a strong stream of water. Fungal issues like downy mildew, leaf spot, or rust are rare but can arise in overly wet or humid conditions; ensuring good air circulation and appropriate watering helps prevent these problems.