Delosperma brunnthaleri, commonly known as ice plant, is a succulent perennial that offers an attractive groundcover solution. It is celebrated for its low-maintenance nature and vibrant, eye-catching blooms, making it a resilient and visually appealing addition to outdoor spaces.
Plant Characteristics
Delosperma brunnthaleri features shiny, green, succulent foliage that can appear to have tiny, light-reflecting hairs, giving it an “ice-like” shimmer. This plant exhibits a low-growing, mat-forming, and spreading habit, typically reaching 3 to 6 inches tall and spreading 2 to 4 feet wide. Its daisy-like flowers appear in shades of bright pink, purple, or yellow, often with darker stamens. These abundant blooms emerge from summer into fall, creating a vibrant carpet of color. Originating from South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains, it is inherently heat and drought tolerant.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Delosperma brunnthaleri thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and prolific flowering. While it can tolerate light shade, flowering may be diminished. The most important requirement is extremely well-draining soil. It performs best in sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils, and can even tolerate poor or rocky conditions.
Heavy clay soils should be amended with materials like sand, perlite, or grit to improve drainage and prevent root rot. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH is preferred. After planting, water thoroughly to help establish its root system, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Delosperma brunnthaleri is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 10, though some varieties may extend to zone 4 in dry conditions. Ideal planting locations include rock gardens, slopes, between pavers, or in containers where drainage can be precisely controlled.
Care and Maintenance
Once established, Delosperma brunnthaleri is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Overwatering is a significant concern, as it can quickly lead to root rot, especially in poorly drained conditions. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, providing deep but infrequent irrigation during prolonged dry spells. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, as it thrives in lean soils. If growth appears stunted, a minimal, balanced fertilizer application in the fall may be considered, but frequent fertilization can lead to soft growth more susceptible to winter damage.
Pruning needs are limited, involving the removal of spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering or trimming leggy stems to maintain a compact, bushy appearance. Any winter dieback should be removed in mid-spring. In colder climates, especially where winter moisture is prevalent, covering the plants with a frost blanket or ensuring excellent drainage can help prevent rot. Delosperma brunnthaleri is resistant to most common pests and diseases, with root rot being the primary issue in overly wet conditions.
Common Uses and Benefits
Delosperma brunnthaleri is a versatile plant with numerous applications in landscape design. Its mat-forming growth habit makes it an excellent groundcover, effectively suppressing weeds and adding a vibrant splash of color. It is frequently used in rock gardens, xeriscaping projects, and on slopes where its spreading nature can aid in erosion control. This plant also performs well in containers or spilling over walls, adding a cascading effect.
Benefits include its exceptional drought tolerance, which reduces water consumption, and its low-maintenance requirements. Its prolonged bloom time, from summer to fall, provides continuous visual interest, complementing its attractive, often evergreen, succulent foliage. The plant is non-toxic, making it safe for areas frequented by children and pets.