Delosperma, commonly known as Ice Plant, is a genus of succulent plants with vibrant, daisy-like flowers and fleshy foliage. These low-growing perennials form dense, mat-forming groundcover. Originating primarily from southern and eastern Africa, they are well-adapted to hot and dry environments. The name “Ice Plant” refers to the shimmering, bladder-like hairs on their leaves and stems that resemble ice crystals. Delosperma species are valued for their drought tolerance and ability to bring color to various garden settings.
General Delosperma Care
Delosperma plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. Well-draining soil is essential for these succulents, as they are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Sandy, gravelly, or lean soils are ideal, and amending heavy clay soils with coarse sand or grit improves drainage.
Once established, Delosperma exhibits drought tolerance, storing water efficiently in its fleshy leaves. While they need regular watering during establishment, mature plants require minimal watering, especially during cooler months. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Most Delosperma varieties are hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, though some tolerate colder temperatures, such as Zone 4. In colder, wetter climates, ensuring dry conditions over winter, perhaps with a protective cover or gravel mulch, benefits survival.
Popular Delosperma Varieties
Several Delosperma species and cultivars stand out for their beauty and garden performance. Delosperma cooperi, often called Hardy Ice Plant or Trailing Iceplant, is a popular choice, known for its vigorous, spreading habit. It produces abundant, bright red-purple or magenta, daisy-like flowers, 1 to 2 inches in diameter, that bloom from late spring through fall. This variety typically grows 3 to 6 inches tall and spreads up to 2 feet or more, with its succulent, cylindrical leaves sometimes turning reddish in colder temperatures.
The ‘Wheels of Wonder’ series features large flowers, up to 4 inches across, which is roughly twice the standard size for Delosperma blooms. This series offers bold shades, including ‘Golden Wonder’ (yellow), ‘Hot Pink Wonder’, ‘Violet Wonder’, and ‘Fire Wonder’ (a red-orange gradient). Plants in this series can reach up to 6 inches in height with a spread of 18-24 inches and are hardy in USDA Zones 5-8.
The ‘Jewel of Desert’ series is a compact option, growing 1-6 inches tall and 6-8 inches wide. These cultivars have prolific, jewel-toned blooms that last from spring through fall. Popular selections include ‘Garnet’ (red-pink gradient), ‘Moonstone’ (white), ‘Ruby’ (bright magenta), and ‘Topaz’ (yellow-white gradient).
Delosperma nubigenum, Yellow Ice Plant, is one of the most cold-hardy species, thriving in USDA Zones 4-8. It forms a low, dense mat of apple-green succulent foliage, which can develop a coppery-bronze or pink tinge in fall and winter. This variety produces small, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers from late May through the summer, reaching 1-2 inches in height and spreading up to 24 inches.
Delosperma basuticum ‘White Nugget’ is a compact, mat-forming succulent with a profusion of white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. These blooms appear in early spring and can continue sporadically until frost. The plant features glossy, fleshy, bright green leaves that are nearly cylindrical and can show a pinkish or reddish tint. It grows around 3 inches tall and spreads up to 15 inches wide, and is heat and drought tolerant.
Landscaping with Delosperma
Delosperma’s mat-forming habit and vibrant blooms make it suitable for various landscaping applications. It is used as a groundcover, forming dense mats of foliage that suppress weeds and add continuous color to sunny spaces. Its low-growing nature and ability to spread make it suitable for filling gaps between stones or covering dry, open areas where grass struggles.
These plants are well-suited for rock gardens, where their succulent nature allows them to thrive in arid conditions and complement rocky elements. They are also effective in xeriscaping, contributing to water-wise garden designs. Delosperma can be planted on slopes for erosion control, along borders, or as edging plants. They perform well in containers and troughs, allowing their trailing stems and colorful flowers to cascade over the edges. Pairing Delosperma with other drought-tolerant plants like sedum, lavender, or ornamental grasses creates a vibrant landscape.