Drosanthemum floribundum (Ice Plant) is a vigorous, spreading, mat forming perennial succulent up to 3 and 15 mm in length and 1 to 2.5 mm in width. Creating a dazzling carpet of attractive succulent foliage, covered in late spring to early summer with a profusion of lilac purple flowers up to 2.5 cm in diameter. The flowers usually open about midday and close in the evenings. On dull, cool days they remain closed.
Evergreen, the striking foliage of small, fleshy, cylindrical, light green leaves forms a dense mat that blocks the growth of weeds and stabilizes soil on slopes or banks. Tough, this little plant is known to survive in very hot, dry climatic conditions and can easily colonize large, open spaces, if happy. Heat, drought and salt tolerant, this succulent perennial looks great in rock gardens or containers.
Origin:
The species is native to the Eastern Cape in South Africa and is naturalised in Portugal and the states of South Australia, Western Australia, and Victoria in Australia.
Hardiness:
Sunset 13-24 as perennial, warm season annual elsewhere
USDA hardiness zones 9-11
How to Grow and Care
Drosanthemum floribundum is a ground-hugging succulent that produces stubby, green succulent leaves.
The cylindrical leaves rarely reach more than four to six inches in height. While it doesn’t get very tall, the root system allows the plant to spread several feet across, making it suitable for ground cover.
After sowing in April, the young plants should be ready for transplanting by June. Place them in a bright window. To propagate from cuttings, take cuttings in August. Use sandy soil with fast drainage in propagating boxes or small pots.
The cuttings will grow best when placed over a heat source. If this is not possible, ensure that they get plenty of sunlight and are kept in a warm spot.The young plants should be kept at about 50 degrees to 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the first winter.
Evergreen, the striking foliage of small, fleshy, cylindrical, light green leaves forms a dense mat that blocks the growth of weeds and stabilizes soil on slopes or banks. Tough, this little plant is known to survive in very hot, dry climatic conditions and can easily colonize large, open spaces, if happy. Heat, drought and salt tolerant, this succulent perennial looks great in rock gardens or containers.
- Scientific Name: Drosanthemum floribundum (Haw.) Schwant.
- Common Names: Pale Dewplant, Rosea Ice Plant
- Synonyms:
Mesembryanthemum floribundum (basionym), Drosanthemum torquatum, Mesembryanthemum furfureum, Mesembryanthemum hispidum var. pallidum, Mesembryanthemum torquatum, Mesembryanthemum tuberculatum - Family: Aizoaceae
- Species: D. floribundum
- Genus: DROSANTHEMUM
Origin:
The species is native to the Eastern Cape in South Africa and is naturalised in Portugal and the states of South Australia, Western Australia, and Victoria in Australia.
Hardiness:
Sunset 13-24 as perennial, warm season annual elsewhere
USDA hardiness zones 9-11
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| source pic: dawsonsgardenworld.com.au |
How to Grow and Care
Drosanthemum floribundum is a ground-hugging succulent that produces stubby, green succulent leaves.
The cylindrical leaves rarely reach more than four to six inches in height. While it doesn’t get very tall, the root system allows the plant to spread several feet across, making it suitable for ground cover.
Propagate the ice plant from cuttings or seeds. Sow seeds in April using the following steps:
- Add regular potting soil with sand to small pots.
- Scatter the seeds on top of the soil but don’t cover them.
- Place a sheet of plastic or glass over the pots.
- Moisten the soil and set in a warm spot.
- Germination typically takes about two to three weeks.
- When the seedlings appear and become firm, transplant them to their own containers.
After sowing in April, the young plants should be ready for transplanting by June. Place them in a bright window. To propagate from cuttings, take cuttings in August. Use sandy soil with fast drainage in propagating boxes or small pots.
The cuttings will grow best when placed over a heat source. If this is not possible, ensure that they get plenty of sunlight and are kept in a warm spot.The young plants should be kept at about 50 degrees to 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the first winter.
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| source pic: inlandvalleygardenplanner.org |
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| source pic: nzflora.info |
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| source pic: calphotos.berkeley.edu |
