Scientific Name
Lampranthus aurantiacus Schwantes
Common Name(s)
Orange Ice Plant, Orange Bush Ice Plants, Trialing Orange Ice Plant, Trailing Ice Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Lampranthus
Origin
Lampranthus aurantiacus is native to South Africa and naturalized in gardens worldwide.
Description
Lampranthus aurantiacus is a succulent subshrub that can grow up to 14 inches (35 cm) tall and spread to 5 feet (1.5 m) across. Its gray-green, 3-sided leaves can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
A flush of flowers covers the entire plant in late spring and continues to flower sporadically through summer. The flowers are bright orange with yellow centers and can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
Several cultivars are available at nurseries and garden centers, including Lampranthus aurantiacus 'Sunman' with golden-yellow flowers. This cultivar blooms in late winter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Lampranthus thrive in well-drained, poor soils and are suitable for soils with a sandy or rocky texture, although they will grow in almost any soil type. They tolerate exposure to salt and thrive in coastal conditions.
Plant rooted cuttings in spring after the possibility of frost has passed. Space the cuttings 6 to 24 inches (15 to 60 cm) apart for trailing species, using closer spacing for quicker coverage. Dig a hole just a little larger than the roots at the cutting's base. Put the roots in the hole, cover them with soil, and tamp the soil firmly in place. For erect or mounding species, space them according to the mature dimensions of the particular species.
Water the plants immediately after planting, but let the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil dry before watering again. Water your plants this way through the first spring and summer. They are drought-tolerant once established when they need watering only during extended dry periods.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Lampranthus.
Links
- Back to genus Lampranthus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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