Scientific Name
Drosanthemum speciosum (Haw.) Schwantes
Common Name(s)
Dew Flower, Dew Flower Ice Plant, Ice Plant, Red Bush Ice Plant, Red Ice Plant, Royal Dewflower, Showy Dewflower, Worcester-Robertson Vygie
Synonym(s)
Drosanthemum pickhardii, Drosanthemum splendens, Mesembryanthemum speciosum
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Drosanthemum
Etymology
The specific epithet "speciosum" (pronounced "spee-see-OH-sum") means "showy," "handsome," or "splendid" and refers to the striking appearance of this species, particularly in bloom.
Origin
Drosanthemum speciosum is native to South Africa. It occurs mainly on shale from Worcester to Heidelberg in the Western Cape province.
Description
Drosanthemum speciosum is an attractive succulent shrub with fleshy green leaves on erect, woody stems, forming a dome well covered in colorful flowers in spring and summer. It can grow up to 32 inches (80 cm) tall. The leaves are often red-tipped. They are opposite, cylindrical to somewhat triangular in cross-section, upwardly curved, and can measure up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length.
The flower color ranges from yellow to dark red, becoming darker near the tips of the petals. The flowers can reach a diameter of 2 inches (5 cm) and have a few rows of petals, with black staminodes around the stamens in the center. They are open in the morning and close during the afternoon and may not open on cloudy days.
How to Grow and Care for Drosanthemum speciosum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
The basics of Mesemb care are very simple, with free-draining soil, plenty of sun and ventilation, and regular light watering in the right season. Yet the difficulties are endless, trying to adapt to the Mesembs' adaptability and follow their growth habits in your particular conditions.
Mesembs require a loam-based compost with extra drainage material such as horticultural grit or perlite. They all like good light conditions and plenty of ventilation.
Some are relatively cold-hardy and can even survive mild winters outside. Most will survive temperatures down to the freezing point. Some Mesembs begin to grow in the fall as temperatures drop and days get shorter.
Because different genera within the Mesemb family have different growing conditions, care must be taken with watering. Some genera will benefit from a light spray of water to prevent shriveling during their dormant period.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Mesembs.
Links
- Back to genus Drosanthemum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
