Scientific Name
Corpuscularia lehmannii (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schwant.
Some authorities recognise this plant as Delosperma lehmannii.
Common Name(s)
Ice Plant
Synonym(s)
Delosperma lehmannii, Mesembryanthemum lehmannii, Schonlandia lehmannii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Corpuscularia
Etymology
The specific epithet "lehmannii" (pronounced "lay-MAH-nee-eye") honors Johann Georg Christian Lehmann (1792-1860), a German botanist.
Origin
Corpuscularia lehmannii is native to South Africa. It grows on dry karroid slopes from Uitenhage to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province.
Description
Corpuscularia lehmannii, also known as Delosperma lehmannii, is a compact, densely leafy succulent with long, ascending stems and numerous short branches, all with grey-green leaves arranged in opposing pairs. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall and 12 inches (30 cm) wide. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and trigonous, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length and 0.4 inches (10 cm) in width.
The flowers are orange or yellow, many-petaled, and appear in spring and summer. They can reach a diameter of 1.6 inches (4 cm). The fruits are 6- to 10-locular capsules.
Forms
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°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, it often has some dieback of foliage 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 but do well in poor soil. 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 at any time in the spring, summer, or fall. When grown by seeds, scatter 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 Corpuscularia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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