Growing Delosperma (Hardy Ice Plant)

Pronunciation: del-o-sperm'a     

This genus is South African, which indicates marginal winter hardiness in the colder portions of North America. There are countless uses for these densely branched succulents whose bright Daisy-like flowers ignite the garden throughout the heat of the summer. We find the low-growing forms to be valuable in the sunny rock garden, and in the same nooks and crannies where you sometimes tuck a bit of Sedum or Thyme.

Very well-drained, gravelly soil is ideal for Delosperma, which like it hot, sunny, and dry. They cannot tolerate wet soil. Provide plants with a sheltered location in full sun, and winter protection, such as straw, in cold-winter climates (Zone 6 and colder).