Scientific Name
Delosperma dyeri L.Bolus
Common Name(s)
Dyer's Ice Plant, Ice Plant, Hardy Ice Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Delosperma
Description
Delosperma dyeri is a low-growing succulent with compact foliage and attractive flowers. It grows up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall and up to 15 inches (37.5 cm) wide. Leaves are thick, fleshy, and nearly cylindrical. A profusion of daisy-like flowers with white centers appears throughout the summer. The flowers are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter and range in color from pale coppery shades, soft red to magenta.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 5a to 9b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Delospermas grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9 and 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 will often have some dieback of foliage in the winter.
These plants prefer full sun but can tolerate some light shade in the garden. Because they 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.
Delosperma 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 surface of the soil 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 the mountains of South Africa (Eastern Cape).
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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