Scientific Name
Delosperma nubigenum (Schltr.) L. Bolus
Common Name(s)
Ice Plant, Hardy Ice Plant, Hardy Yellow Ice Plant, Yellow Ice Plant
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum nubigenum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Delosperma
Origin
Delosperma nubigenum is native to South Africa.
Description
Delosperma nubigenum is a mat-forming succulent with decumbent to procumbent stems with yellowish-green, closely-packed leaves that turn bronze in fall through winter. It usually grows only 2 inches (5 cm) tall but spreads to 2 feet (60 cm). The leaves are thick, fleshy, erect, ovate, and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
The solitary flowers are yellow, daisy-like, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter, and appear in late spring, almost completely covering the foliage.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 5a to 10b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Delosperma plants grow in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-9 and will bloom for most of the summer and fall. Their foliage is mostly evergreen, and because of this, they make a great year-round ground cover. However, while the plant is evergreen, some foliage will often die back in the winter.
Delospermas prefer full sun but can tolerate some light shade in the garden. Because Delospermas are succulents, they do not tolerate wet soil, though they do well in poor soils. Wet soil, especially in winter, is likely to kill the plants. However, this plant can become invasive in areas where the soil stays consistently dry, so it is best to consider this when planting it.
The Ice Plant can be propagated by division, cuttings, or seeds. If propagating by division, dividing the plants in the spring is best. Cuttings can be taken anytime in the spring, summer, or fall. When grown by seeds, scatter the them on the soil's surface and do not cover them, as they need light to germinate.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Delosperma.
Links
- Back to genus Delosperma
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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