Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Amethyst (Ice Plant)
Almost ever-blooming, Delosperma ‘Jewel of Desert Amethyst’ (Ice Plant) is a vigorous, mat-forming, evergreen succulent with a profusion of pink, daisy-like flowers, 2 in. wide (5 cm), with a bright purple center. Blooming from late spring to the first frost, the blossoms are produced in such quantities that they literally cover the lush foliage of fleshy, blue-green leaves.
Almost ever-blooming, Delosperma 'Jewel of Desert Amethyst' (Ice Plant) is a vigorous, mat-forming, evergreen succulent with a profusion of pink, daisy-like flowers, 2 in. wide (5 cm), with a bright purple center. Blooming from late spring to the first frost, the blossoms are produced in such quantities that they literally cover the lush foliage of fleshy, blue-green leaves. The intensity of the flower color, combined with the long blooming season and evergreen foliage, reinforce the ornamental interest of this plant. An indispensable element of waterwise landscapes.
- Grows up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and spreads vigorously to 8-10 in. (20-25 cm) or more.
- Thrives in full sun in dry, well-drained soils. Good drainage is essential to survival. Tolerates average to lean soils including sandy and gravelly ones. If conditions are too wet, it will suffer and grow poorly. Water sparsely during the growing season. Good heat and drought tolerance.
- Deer resistant but attractive to butterflies.
- Easy to grow, Delosperma is a good choice for areas of the garden that are sunny and dry. Excellent addition to border fronts, rock gardens, banks and slopes or naturalized areas. Delosperma makes a lovely groundcover and is perfect for containers.
- No serious insect or disease issues. May be occasionally affected by aphids and mealybugs.
- Native to South Africa
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5 – 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 9 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Cactus – Succulents |
| Plant Family | Delosperma – Ice Plants |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
| Spread | 8" – 10" (20cm – 25cm) |
| Spacing | 8″ – 10″ (20cm – 25cm) |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |