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
Delosperma plants grow in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-9 and bloom for most of the summer and fall. Their foliage is mostly evergreen, making them a great year-round ground cover. However, although the plants are evergreen, they often experience some winter foliage dieback.
These plants prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade in the garden. Because Delosperma is a succulent, it does not tolerate wet soil, though it thrives in poor soil. Wet soil, especially in winter, is likely to kill the plants. However, these plants can become invasive in areas with consistently dry soil, so it is best to consider this when planting them.
Propagating
Delospermas can be propagated by division, cuttings, or seeds. When propagating by division, divide the plants in the spring. Cuttings can be taken at any time in spring, summer, or fall. When grown from seed, scatter them on the soil surface and do not cover them, as they need light to germinate.
General Care
Once established, Delospermas require minimal maintenance. As succulents, they need minimal watering and thrive in drought-like conditions. Additionally, these plants require little to no fertilization. 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