Scientific Name
Corpuscularia lehmannii (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Schwant.
Common Name(s)
Ice Plant
Synonym(s)
Delosperma lehmannii, Delosperma algoense, Mesembryanthemum lehmannii, Mesembryanthemum sexpartitum, Schonlandia lehmannii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Corpuscularia
Description
Corpuscularia lehmannii is a popular succulent with thick fleshy grey-green leaves in opposing pairs. It grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall with a spread of 12 inches (30 cm). Laves are 3-angled and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. Flowers are yellow, daisy-like, and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter.
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 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 will often have 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, though they do well in poor soils. In fact, wet soil, especially during the winter months, 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, it is best to divide the plants in the spring. Cuttings can be taken anytime in the spring, summer, or fall. When grown by seeds, scatter the seeds 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.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa.
Forms
Links
- Back to genus Corpuscularia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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