delosperma

With a common name like ice plant, we might expect to find Delosperma growing in frigid mountain crags. Instead, this perennial ground cover hales from sun soaked South Africa and takes its common name from the frosted texture of its succulent leaves.

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.

Whether you’re a xeriscaper, a succulent fiend or just a lover of beautiful flowers, Delosperma is a great plant to add to your garden.

Some varieties you can find at Portland Nursery include:

delosperma-cooperi

Delosperma cooperi

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.

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Delosperma nubigenum

One of the hardiest species, short leaves form rosettes and become red-tinted in sun. Golden yellow to orange flowers. Grows 2-4 inches tall, with a 20 inch spread. Zone 4

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Delosperma congesta

Another tried and true species that spread well. Features a daisy yellow flower in the summer months. 2 inches tall by 24 inches wide. Zone 6.

Delosperma hybrids:

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Delosperma 'Fire Spinner'

“Fire Spinner”: Introduced in 2012, flowers are a stunning gradation of pink to orange. 2 inches tall by 12-15 inches wide. Zone 6.

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Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert’ series

This more compact variety grows 1-6 inches tall by 6-8 inches wide. Its spring through summer blooms are available in four jewel themed colors: ‘Garnet’ a red-pink gradient, ‘Moonstone’ white, ‘Topaz’ a yellow-white gradient and ‘Ruby’ a bright magenta. Zone 6.

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Delosperma ‘Wheels of Wonder’ series

Another new series, features 4 inch blooms - twice the standard size! Available in four bold shades: fire (a red- orange gradient), golden yellow, hot pink with pale yellow center and orange with pale yellow center. A bit taller than most varieties – up to 6 inches, 18-24 inch spread. Zone 4.