Ground Cover - Ice Plant

Ice Plant

Botanical Name

:

Delosperma cooperi

Plant Type

:

Succulent perennial ground cover

Seasons

:

Year-round; active growth and flowering from early summer to fall

Sun Level

:

Full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil Type

:

Well-draining sandy or shallow rocky soils. Avoid heavy clay or poorly draining soils

Germination

:

Propagates easily from seeds, cuttings, or division. Seeds germinate in 14–21 days

P.H. Level

:

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

Water/Irrigation

:

Drought-resistant, only water when the soil is completely dry

Fertilization

:

Minimal. Apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed

Habit

:

Forms a dense mat of fleshy leaves on spreading stems

Final Plant Height

:

2–6 inches (5–15 cm)

Spread

:

12–36 inches (30–90 cm)

Spacing

:

12–18 inches apart for full coverage

Flowers

:

Daisy-like, vibrant purple, pink, yellow, orange, or white blooms from late spring to fall

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and pollinators

Uses

:

Rock gardens, ground cover, erosion control, xeriscaping, borders, containers

Companions

:

Sedum, lavender, yarrow, agave, yucca, ornamental grasses

Pruning

:

Trim back dead growth in early spring to encourage fresh growth

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Generally pest-free but may attract aphids or mealybugs

Diseases

:

Root rot if overwatered; occasional fungal issues in humid conditions

Fun Fact

:

Ice Plants get their name from their shimmering, reflective leaf surfaces that look like ice crystals under sunlight

Additional Info

:

Ice Plants are excellent for erosion control, as their dense mat-like growth stabilizes soil on slopes and rocky areas

Botanical Name

:

Delosperma cooperi

Plant Type

:

Succulent perennial ground cover

Seasons

:

Year-round; active growth and flowering from early summer to fall

Sun Level

:

Full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil Type

:

Well-draining sandy or shallow rocky soils. Avoid heavy clay or poorly draining soils

Germination

:

Propagates easily from seeds, cuttings, or division. Seeds germinate in 14–21 days

P.H. Level

:

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

Water/Irrigation

:

Drought-resistant, only water when the soil is completely dry

Fertilization

:

Minimal. Apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed

Habit

:

Forms a dense mat of fleshy leaves on spreading stems

Final Plant Height

:

2–6 inches (5–15 cm)

Spread

:

12–36 inches (30–90 cm)

Spacing

:

12–18 inches apart for full coverage

Flowers

:

Daisy-like, vibrant purple, pink, yellow, orange, or white blooms from late spring to fall

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and pollinators

Uses

:

Rock gardens, ground cover, erosion control, xeriscaping, borders, containers

Companions

:

Sedum, lavender, yarrow, agave, yucca, ornamental grasses

Pruning

:

Trim back dead growth in early spring to encourage fresh growth

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Generally pest-free but may attract aphids or mealybugs

Diseases

:

Root rot if overwatered; occasional fungal issues in humid conditions

Fun Fact

:

Ice Plants get their name from their shimmering, reflective leaf surfaces that look like ice crystals under sunlight

Additional Info

:

Ice Plants are excellent for erosion control, as their dense mat-like growth stabilizes soil on slopes and rocky areas