How to Grow Hardy Ice Plant
Delosperma cooperi
Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi) is a spreading South African succulent with brilliant magenta-purple daisy flowers all summer. Unlike the annual ice plant, this is a true hardy perennial surviving to -15C. Give it full sun and sharp drainage — gritty, poor soil is ideal. Plant in rock gardens, gravel beds, green roofs, or dry walls. Water sparingly once established. Trim lightly in spring to keep it tidy. A single plant will spread 50-60cm over a few years, making a dense weed-suppressing mat.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Very little feeding needed. A single application of half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser in spring is sufficient. Avoid rich feeding — it promotes lush leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Watch For
- Root rot in poorly drained soil
- Aphids on young shoots
- Slugs and snails on young plants
Companions
Sempervivum, Sedum, Thyme, Erigeron karvinskianus
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, hottest spot available
Flowering is most prolific in full sun. Even a few hours of shade significantly reduces flower count. Choose the sunniest, most exposed position.
Watering
Very little once established
Drought-tolerant once roots are established. Water sparingly in prolonged dry spells only. Overwatering causes root rot faster than drought causes damage.
Fertilizing
Half-strength feed once in spring
A single application of half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser in spring is sufficient. Avoid rich feeding which promotes lush growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Light trim in early spring
Trim back winter-damaged or straggly stems in early spring to encourage fresh compact growth. No hard pruning needed.
Growing Tips
Sharp drainage is non-negotiable
Delosperma rots quickly in wet or heavy soil. Mix coarse grit or perlite into planting holes at a 1:1 ratio with compost, or plant directly into a gravel mulch layer. It thrives in lean, well-drained conditions where other plants struggle.
More sun, more flowers
Flowering is most prolific in full sun. Even a few hours of shade significantly reduces flower count. Choose the sunniest spot available.
Drought-tolerant once established
Once the roots are established (typically after the first season), Delosperma needs virtually no watering. It is adapted to South African summer drought conditions.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 40 cm |
| Row spacing | 40 cm |
| Mature height | 12 cm |
| Mature spread | 60 cm |
Space plants 30-45cm apart. They spread vigorously by creeping stems and will knit together to form a dense groundcover mat. Excellent for green roofs, gravel gardens, dry walls, and sunny slopes.
