Ice Plant (Delosperma)


Ice Plant Plant Features

Perfect for sunny slopes or rock gardens, ice plant quickly forms a low carpet of succulent foliage that adds texture and interest even when these sun-loving perennials are not in bloom. Few plants are easier to grow once established -- it doesn't require any special care to thrive. Ice plant gets its name from the small, glistening dots on the foliage that resemble tiny ice crystals. Growing 6 to 8 inches tall, ice plant produces brilliant purple, pink, or yellow daisy-like flowers throughout the summer. It's drought and deer resistant. Zones 5-9.

Ice Plant Questions?
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Ice Plant Growing Instructions

Ice plant requires a sunny spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun a day. It can tolerate partial shade, but doesn't bloom nearly as much.

Plant it in well-drained soil. Ice plant hates clay and poorly draining soils; it often dies if planted in a spot where there's standing water for extended periods. For best effect, plant ice plant on a hillside or slope where the soil will drain quickly after a storm. It's also excellent in raised beds or raised mounds. 

You don't need to worry about pruning ice plant. You can fertilize, if you wish, but this easy-care groundcover doesn't require fertilization in most soil types.

Ice plant is not intended for human or animal consumption.
  • Water

    Low water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Pink

    Purple

    Yellow

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Deer/rabbit resistant

    Groundcover


Complement your Ice Plant

Sedum
Sedums are as drought tolerant as Ice Plant and have equally interesting foliage so together they make a great combination.

Iceland Poppy
Add touches of bold spring color to your Ice Plant with Iceland Poppy.

Agave
Add drama and interest to an Ice Plant border by scattering a few Agaves in the bed.


Our favorite varieties

Cooper's Ice Plant

Cooper's Ice Plant

Delosperma cooperi

The gem-like, reddish-purple flowers of the traditional form of Ice Plant create a carpet of color on well-drained sunny sites. It flowers from June until September. It grows 6 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Zones 6-10

Moonstone Ice Plant

Moonstone Ice Plant

Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Moonstone'

Cool off hot, sunny spots in your landscape with the snow-white blooms of ‘Desert Moonstone’ ice plant. Each flower has a sunny yellow center. It grows 6 inches tall and 24 inches wide, and blooms from spring to fall. Zones 5-9

Peridot Ice Plant

Peridot Ice Plant

Delosperma 'Jewels of the Desert Peridot'

Bright yellow flowers with white centers make ‘Peridot’ ice plant a must-have selection for rock gardens and slopes. It makes a cheerful, drought-resistant 6-inch-tall groundcover. It blooms from late spring to early autumn. Zones 5-9

Topaz Ice Plant

Topaz Ice Plant

Delosperma 'Jewels of the Desert Topaz'

Throughout the summer, ‘Jewels of the Desert Topaz’ ice plant produces masses of amber flowers with white centers. Like other ice plant varieties it grows just 6 to 8 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 5-9.

Garnet Ice Plant

Garnet Ice Plant

Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Garnet'

A fantastic part of the Jewel of the Desert series, Garnet shows off red-pink flowers from spring to autumn. Jewel of the Desert Garnet grows 6 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Zones 5-9

Ruby Ice Plant

Ruby Ice Plant

Delosperma 'Jewels of the Desert Ruby'

This variety shows off multicolored blooms! The center of the flower is white, then warms to golden-yellow, to orange, and finally red at the edges. It grows 6 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Zones 5-9

Wheels of Wonder Fire Wonder Ice Plant

Wheels of Wonder Fire Wonder Ice Plant

Delosperma 'Wheels of Wonder Fire Wonder'

Slow-growing, drought-tolerant, and long flowering -- this perennial groundcover offers a lot! It grows 6 inches tall and 24 inches wide and flowers on and off from spring to fall. Zones 6-9

Wheels of Wonder Hot Pink

Wheels of Wonder Hot Pink

Delosperma 'Wheels of Wonder Hot Pink'

Wow! This easy groundcover offers hot pink flowers on and off all season long. It's so easy to care for, too -- you can practically plant it and forget it. Wheels of Wonder Hot Pink ice plant grows 6 inches tall and 24 inches across. Zones 6-9

Wheels of Wonder Orange Wonder

Wheels of Wonder Orange Wonder

Delosperma 'Wheels of Wonder Orange Wonder'

Plant this easy-care groundcover if you want rich orange flowers in your yard. It flowers on and off all spring, summer, and fall and grows 6 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Zones 6-9