Delosperma

( dee - loh - SPERM - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Also called Ice Plant, this genus of flowering succulent perennial needs light afternoon shade in the hottest climates of its zone range, and moderate to regular water for best performance. They are native to South Africa and green leaves will usually turn red with cooler weather. This is a large group of Ice Plants, and can be used both as groundcovers and in rock gardens. They are also useful in container gardens, xeriscaping, and as filler plants for mixed beds and borders. 

Delosperma Species and Varietals

The genus Delosperma is a member of the plant family Aizoaceae and includes around 170 species.These plants grow best in zones 2-24, though this varies somewhat by species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Delosperma 'Alba' (White Trailing Ice Plant)
This spreading plant grows best in zones 12-24, and roots freely from its stems. Leaves are round, and flowers bloom in summer, attracting bees to your garden. Fantastic groundcover when planted about a foot apart.

​Delosperma basuticum 
This plant grows best in zones 1-24, reaching just a half inch tall and 9 inches wide. Foliage is rounded and bright yellow flowers have white centers. Blooms in spring and early summer.

​Delosperma cooperi (Mesembryanthemum cooperi) (Trailing Iceplant, Hardy Iceplant, Pink Carpet)
3 inches tall, 1.5 feet wide. Leaves are cylindrical and purple flowers bloom all summer long. This dwarf perennial plant is native to South Africa, and recovers rapidly after mechanical damage. Hardy down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Delosperma dyeri 'Psdoid' (Red Mountain Ice Plant)
This species of Ice Plant gets 2-4 inches tall and 10-20 inches wide. Has a mat-like habit and produces pink-red flowers in summer that fade to bronze with creamy white centers. Great as a groundcover.

Delosperma echinatum (Pickle Plant)
These plants are native to South Africa, and have spiny-looking leaves covered with white to translucent hairs. They typically form mats of green succulent foliage and prefer to grow in rocky habitats. Flowers are tiny and pale yellow. 

Delosperma floribundum 'Starburst'
Has a clumping habit and reaches 2 inches tall and 10-18 inches wide. Flowers are pink/magenta, and bloom in late spring into fall.
Delosperma hybrids
All of these varieties make wonderful groundcovers, and produce eye-catching shows of bright flowers that bloom in spring and summertime, typically in shades of pink and salmon.
'Kelaidis'
​(Mesa Verde Ice Plant)
Cold-tolerant, vigorous grower to 2 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide. Flowers are pale salmon-colored. 
'John Proffitt' 
​(Table Mountain Ice Plant)
This species grows to 2 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide, and has pink flowers. 
'Psfave'
​(Lavender Ice Plant)
Pale lavender flowers on a 2-inch tall plant that spreads to 1-2 feet. 

Delosperma lehmannii (Ice Plant)
​These plants are commonly grown as houseplants in many regions around the globe, and are native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. They are small plants with light greyish-green foliage and yellow to straw-colored flowers.

Delosperma nubigenum 'Lesotho'
Gets to just an inch tall and spreads to three feet wide. Leaves turn red in cold weather, and in late spring, blooms appear in bright golden-yellow.

Caring for Delosperma

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Delosperma: A Growing Guide for Ice Plant
Wikipdia: Delosperma
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 282 - 283, Delosperma
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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