Learning Download: How to Grow Delosperma

Delosperma, also known as Ice Plant, is actually a succulent perennial that does well when used as groundcover. It blooms with daisy-like flowers. The Ice Plant actually isn’t called the Ice Plant due to its cold hardiness, but because its petals shimmer as if they were covered in ice. The plants can reach 6 inches tall and span 4 feet wide.

Before Planting: Plant Desperma in full sun, although they can tolerate partial shade. The best soil to plant Delosperma in is gravelly, sandy or sandy loam soils. IN cooler climates, plant in mid-summer and in hotter climates, plant in the fall.

Planting: Scatter Delosperma seeds over the ground and do not cover them with soil because they require light to germinate.

Watering: Water the plants weekly during the heat of the summer, but do not water these plants during the winter months.

Fertilizer: Succulents like Delosperma thrive in poorer soils, so there’s no need to fertilize these plants.

Days to Maturity: Delosperma will bloom for the most of the summer and fall.

Harvesting: Delosperma is not the best cut flower. However, you can propagate from cuttings. Take the cutting in the spring, summer or fall.

Tips: Delosperma can actually become invasive if planted in areas with consistently dry soil.