Scientific Name
Corpuscularia taylorii (N.E.Br.) Schwantes
Synonym(s)
Delosperma taylori, Mesembryanthemum taylori
Common Name(s)
Ice Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Corpuscularia
Etymology
The specific epithet "taylorii" (pronounced "tay-LOR-ee-eye") honors Edward Taylor (1848–1928/1935), a British grocer and grower of succulent plants.
Origin of Corpuscularia taylorii
Corpuscularia taylorii is native to South Africa.
Description of Corpuscularia taylorii
Corpuscularia taylorii, also known as Delosperma taylori, is a compact succulent subshrub with upright or ascending branches that bear lovely, grey-green leaves. The succulent branches emerge from a thick taproot and can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, rooting at the nodes. The leaves are triangular in cross-section and can turn in shades of pink, purple, and red when exposed to full sun.
The flowers are solitary and daisy-like, with petals ranging from white to pale yellow, often with pink-suffused tips. They appear in spring and summer and can reach a diameter of 1.6 inches (4 cm).
Corpuscularia taylorii is similar to Corpuscularia lehmannii but has longer internodes, while the latter is more compact.
How to Grow and Care for Corpuscularia taylorii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 8b to 10b: from 15°F (-9.4°C) to 40°F (4.4°C).
Delosperma plants grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 5-9 and bloom for most of the summer and fall. Their foliage is mostly evergreen, making them a great year-round ground cover. However, while the plant is evergreen, it often experiences some foliage dieback in 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. In fact, wet soil, especially during winter, is likely to kill the plants. However, these plants can become invasive in areas where the soil stays consistently dry, so it is best to consider this when planting them.
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 from seed, scatter them on the soil 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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