Ice Plant 'Jewel of the Desert'

• Scientific Name: Delosperma cooperi 'Jewel of the Desert'
• Garden: Xeriscaping Garden
• Plant Type: Ground Cover
• Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen
• Sun/Shade Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture Requirements: Moist, well-drained

Plant Information

A lovely spreader with narrow cylindrical leaves and pink-magenta flowers. Grows 3-4 inches tall, with a spread of 12-18+ inches. Zone 7.
Delosperma is an excellent ground cover option for rock gardens, parking strips, rock walls - basically anywhere sedums or succulents would thrive. It's evergreen, drought tolerant, low maintenance, and deer resistant. As if those qualities aren’t enough to win us over, its cheerful flowers seal the deal. These daisy like blooms come in a variety of sunset hues start in late spring and can continue throughout the summer. These delicate blooms shine best when the sun is shining on them, and will close at night and during rain.

Culture: Very well-draining, gritty soil is vital. Full sun is ideal, but a few hours of shade is tolerable. Though drought tolerant, all species would prefer regular watering during the blooming season. Use a light hand when watering however, as overwatering can lead to rot. Stop watering in fall to harden plants off for winter.

Maintenance: Add pumice and compost if planting in heavy or clay soil. If planting in a container, consider using cactus and succulent soil blend, or amending all-purpose potting soil with pumice or sand.

Pinch back spent blooms as needed during flowering season. To avoid rot due to winter rains, top dress around the plants with a layer of crushed rock or pea gravel.

Pest and Disease: Aphids, mealy bugs.

Data Source