Mesembryanthemum cordifolium 'Variegatum' is an eye-catching succulent with trailing stems and variegated, heart-shaped to oval-shaped leaves. It makes an excellent ground cover for rock gardens and is also popular as a "spiller" in hanging baskets or mixed planters, where it can gracefully cascade over the edges. Previously, this plant was known as Aptenia cordifolia 'Variegata' until the entire genus Aptenia was merged into Mesembryanthemum in 2007.
Taxonomy of Mesembryanthemum cordifolium 'Variegatum
Scientific Name
Mesembryanthemum cordifolium 'Variegatum'
Accepted Scientific Name
Mesembryanthemum cordifolium L.fil.
Synonym(s)
Aptenia cordifolia 'Variegata'
Common Name(s)
Baby Sun Rose, Heartleaf Ice Plant, Ice Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Mesembryanthemoideae
Genus: Mesembryanthemum
Etymology
The cultivar epithet 'Variegatum' (pronounced var-ee-GAY-tum) means "variegated; having a pattern of different colors or marks" and refers to the variegated leaves of this plant.
Origin of Mesembryanthemum cordifolium 'Variegatum
The origin of this plant is unclear. It is typically sold as a variegated cultivar of Mesembryanthemum cordifolium. However, similar plants are also sold under the names Mesembryanthemum cordifolium 'Mesbicla' or Mesembryanthemum cordifolium 'Mezoo', which are thought to be a sport of the hybrid Mesembryanthemum 'Red Apple'.
Description of Mesembryanthemum cordifolium 'Variegatum
Mesembryanthemum cordifolium 'Variegatum', formerly known as Aptenia cordifolia 'Variegata', is a lovely mat-forming succulent with branching stems growing from a woody base and smooth, fleshy, green leaves with cream-colored margins. The leaves vary from oval to heart-shaped and can grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
The flowers are bright pink to purplish and appear in the leaf axils in summer and fall. The fruits are capsules that contain brown tuberose seeds. They can reach up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in length.
How to Grow and Care for Mesembryanthemum cordifolium 'Variegatum'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 8a to 10b: from 10°F (-12.2°C) to 40°F (4.4°C).
Water Aptenia only when the soil is completely dry, and then provide enough to drench the soil to a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm). To check for dryness, poke your finger into the soil. Never water if the soil feels damp or cool, as Aptenia, like all succulents, is prone to rot in soggy, waterlogged soil. Water Aptenia lightly during the winter if the leaves begin to look shriveled. Provide only enough water to moisten the soil, as the plant deteriorates quickly in cool, damp soil.
Withholding fertilizer is unnecessary and often results in a weak, floppy plant. Trim the plant as needed throughout the growing season, using pruners or garden shears to keep it tidy. Pot the plant and bring it indoors for the winter when nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Learn more in "How to Grow and Care for Aptenia."
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Mesembryanthemum.
- Explore all plants within the family Aizoaceae.