Delosperma (Ice Plant): A Complete Guide to Growing Colorful, Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers

Delosperma (Ice Plant): A Growing Guide for Vibrant, Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers

Delosperma, commonly known as ice plant, is a sun-loving, evergreen succulent that brings a carpet of vibrant color to gardens. With its dense, mat-forming habit, this hardy perennial is not only visually striking but also highly practical for creating low-maintenance, waterwise landscapes. Native to eastern and southern Africa, Delosperma thrives in heat and dry conditions, making it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking beauty with little fuss.

Named for the glistening, ice-crystal-like sheen on its leaves and flowers, Delosperma is prized for its extended bloom period, evergreen foliage, and adaptability to challenging sites. Ideal for rock gardens, borders, curb strips, containers, and xeriscaping, Delosperma delivers lasting color and texture throughout the year in mild climates.

Table of Contents

• Delosperma Basics
• Planting Ice Plant
• Ice Plant Care and Maintenance
• Delosperma Varieties
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Design Ideas for Ice Plant

Delosperma Basics

Botanical Name: Delosperma

Common Name: Ice plant

Plant Type: Perennial succulent ground cover

Native Range: Eastern and southern Africa

Growth Habit: Evergreen, mat-forming, and spreading

Flower Color: Pink, purple, yellow, orange, white, and bi-colored

Bloom Time: Late spring through fall (with some varieties reblooming in mild climates)

Hardiness Zones: Most varieties, USDA Zones 5–9 (varies by cultivar)

Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily for best bloom)

Soil Needs: Lean, sandy, or gravelly soils that drain quickly. Avoid clay or compacted soils.

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant once established. Dislikes excessive moisture.

Planting Ice Plant

Proper planting is key to ensuring a thriving Delosperma display. Follow these tips for success:

• Timing: Plant in spring or early summer once frost risk has passed. In hot climates, fall planting is possible to establish roots before summer.
• Site Selection: Choose a location with full sun and excellent drainage. Rock gardens, slopes, raised beds, or curbside strips are ideal.
• Soil Preparation: Work in sand or fine gravel if soil is heavy. Delosperma will not tolerate soggy, clay soils.
• Spacing: Set plants 12–18 inches apart to allow spreading and create a lush ground cover.
• Planting Technique:
  • Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
  • Amend the soil with sand or grit as needed.
  • Set the plant at the same depth as in its container.
  • Backfill gently and water lightly to settle the soil.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of fine gravel mulch to improve drainage and enhance appearance.

Quick Reference Table: Planting Delosperma

Ice Plant Care and Maintenance

One of Delosperma’s greatest advantages is its minimal care requirements. However, to get the most vibrant blooms and healthiest plants, observe these care tips:

• Watering: Water regularly after planting to establish roots, then reduce. Once established, only water during prolonged drought. Avoid overwatering—Delosperma prefers dry conditions and may rot in wet soils.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light dose of balanced fertilizer in spring. Too much fertilizer can reduce flowering and create lush but weak growth.
• Pruning: Trim lightly to shape or remove winter-damaged stems in spring. Little pruning is needed otherwise.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free. Root rot may occur in poorly drained, wet soils.
• Winter Care: In colder climates, provide a gravel mulch to improve drainage. In regions with persistent snow cover, use a frost blanket to keep crowns dry.
• Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings or division. Allow cuttings to callous for a day before planting in moist, fast-draining soil.

Detailed Maintenance Tips

• Repotting: In containers, repot every 2–3 years using cactus & succulent mix. Keep slightly rootbound to encourage blooming.
• Dormancy: A rest period in winter (cool, dry conditions) enhances flowering the following season.
• Sunlight: Maximize exposure—partial shade reduces bloom and growth.
• Cuttings: Take 4–5 inch healthy tip cuttings. Remove lower leaves, plant in well-drained mix, and keep warm and bright until rooted.

Delosperma Varieties

Many cultivars of Delosperma are available, offering a range of colors and growth habits. Here are some popular options:

• Delosperma cooperi: Brilliant magenta blooms; very hardy and commonly grown.
• Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’: Vivid tri-color flowers—orange, red, and purple; striking in mass plantings.
• Delosperma ‘Jewel of Desert’ series: Compact, long-blooming varieties with colors from pink and purple to yellow and white.
• Delosperma ‘Table Mountain’: Deep rose-pink flowers and dense foliage; good for slopes and walls.
• Delosperma nubigenum: Yellow flowers and bright green foliage; especially durable and cold hardy.
• Delosperma ‘Wheels of Wonder’ series: Large, showy blooms in multiple shades, designed for extended flowering.

Comparison Table: Notable Delosperma Varieties

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best location to plant Delosperma?

Delosperma performs best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soil is essential. Avoid shaded or wet sites.

Can Delosperma survive cold winters?

Most Delosperma varieties are hardy to USDA Zones 5–9. In colder zones, select the hardiest cultivars, plant in spring to establish roots, and use gravel mulch or frost blankets to protect against winter wetness.

How often should Delosperma be watered?

Water regularly after planting. Once established, water only during long dry spells. Excessive moisture, especially in winter, can cause root rot.

Is Delosperma invasive?

Delosperma is fast-spreading by stem growth but rarely invasive. It stays low, suppresses weeds, and is easy to contain.

Can I grow Delosperma in containers?

Absolutely. Use cactus/succulent potting mix, provide full sun, and water sparingly. Avoid overpotting—Delosperma prefers to be somewhat rootbound.

How do I propagate ice plants?

Propagate by stem cuttings or division. Let cuttings dry (callous) before planting in moist, well-drained mix. Roots form in several weeks.

Design Ideas for Ice Plant

Delosperma is exceptionally versatile in the landscape, lending bright color and evergreen texture to challenging sites. Here are some ways to use Delosperma effectively:

• Rock Gardens: Plant among stones for a natural, alpine look. Delosperma complements other succulents and drought-tolerant perennials.
• Ground Cover: Use to carpet dry slopes, curb strips, or sunny borders, creating a weed-suppressing mat.
• Containers: Combine with other succulents or trailing plants in pots for patios, decks, or balconies.
• Edging: Line walkways or garden beds with low-growing Delosperma varieties for a splash of color.
• Xeriscaping: An essential choice for waterwise gardens, blending with ornamental grasses or Mediterranean plants.
• Green Roofs: Add to sustainable green roof projects needing drought-tolerant ground cover.

Companion Plants for Ice Plant

• Sedum (stonecrop)
• Sempervivum (hens and chicks)
• Thyme and other low herbs
• Ornamental grasses
• Dwarf conifers

Summary

Delosperma, or ice plant, provides vibrant color, drought resistance, and year-round beauty with minimal effort. Whether cascading over rocks, spilling from containers, or carpeting sunny slopes, this succulent is a reliable and versatile choice for gardeners seeking lasting appeal and easy care. By selecting the right site, giving good drainage, and enjoying its dazzling blooms, you’ll transform your landscape with the distinctive charm of Delosperma.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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