Scientific Name
Delosperma echinatum (Lam.) Schwantes
Common Name(s)
Pickle Plant, Ice Plant
Synonym(s)
Drosanthemum pruinosum, Mesembryanthemum echinatum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Delosperma
Origin
Delosperma echinatum is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape).
Description
Delosperma echinatum is a shrubby succulent with slender stems that bear pairs of bright green leaves with soft, white spines. The stems can grow upright or trailing, forming a mat or a small shrub, reaching up to 18 inches (45 cm) in height. The leaves are thick and fleshy and can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.
The white, pale yellow, or yellow flowers appear at the tip of the stems from late winter through fall, peaking in spring. They can reach up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 7a to 10b: from 0 °F (−17.8 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Delosperma plants grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 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 often has some dieback of foliage in the winter.
These plants prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade in the garden. Because they are succulents, they do not tolerate wet soil but 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, dividing the plants in the spring is best. Cuttings can be taken anytime 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 Delosperma
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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