Are you looking for drought-tolerant but lovely plants to fill the troublesome dry area of your garden? You may want to try planting Delospermas, commonly known as Ice Plants. They add a bright splash of color to the drier parts of your garden.
These succulents are perennial groundcovers with daisy-like flowers. They are not called Ice Plants because they are cold-hardy but because the flowers and leaves seem to shimmer as though covered in frost or ice crystals. The plants grow about 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) tall and 2 to 4 feet (5 to 10 cm) wide.
Growing Conditions
Delospermas grow in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-9 and bloom for most of summer and fall. Their foliage is mostly evergreen, making them a great year-round ground cover. However, while the plants are evergreen, they often have some foliage dieback in the winter.
These plants prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade in the garden. Because Delospermas 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, these plants can become invasive in areas where the soil stays consistently dry, so it is best to consider this when planting them.
Propagating
Delospermas 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.
General Care
Once they are established, Delospermas require little maintenance. As succulents, they need minimal watering and thrive in drought-like conditions. Also, these plants need little to no fertilizing. Simply plant your Delosperma and watch it grow!
Source: gardeningknowhow.com
Links
- Back to genus Delosperma
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus