Scientific Name
Delosperma sphalmanthoides S.A.Hammer
Common Name(s)
Tufted Ice Plant
Synonym(s)
Daggodora sphalmanthoides, Komsbergella sphalmanthoides
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Delosperma
Origin
This species is native to South Africa. It grows in shallow soils over sandstone rocks in Sutherland in the Northern Cape province.
Description
Delosperma sphalmanthoides is an adorable dwarf succulent that forms a compact mat of gray-green to blue-green finger-like leaves covered in early spring by pink flowers. It can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall and is the smallest species in the genus. The thick, fleshy leaves are papillate, erect, subcylindrical, and can measure up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long and about 0.1 inches (0.2 cm) in diameter.
The solitary flowers can reach up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are 5-locular capsules that can grow up to 0.12 inches (0.3 cm) in diameter and contain pale greyish-brown seeds.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 5a to 10b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °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 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. Damp 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.
Learn 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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