Georgia Gardener Newsletter Cool Plant: November 30, 2006
Iceplant
Delosperma cooperi
Species Native Range: South Africa
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-10
Mature Size: 2-4 inches tall, spreading
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil: Very well drained; salt tolerant
Ease of Culture: Easy
Iceplant is a wonderful evergreen ground cover for some of the hottest, driest and sunniest
locations in the garden. It's often classified as a "parking lot plant" because of its
ability to grow in these awful conditions. This succulent has short, pointed (yet fleshy), water-filled
leaves that creep via above ground stems to form a tight spreading clump. One to two inch daisy-like
purple flowers are held above the leaves and bloom from spring until frost. Curiously,
the flowers close at night or on overcast days and open again in bright sunlight.
Plant Iceplant in full sun and in soil that is well-drained. Poor drainage or excessive irrigation
may cause the plant to thin out in the center. This plant grows very well in almost pure
sand and because of its salt tolerance, makes a good coastal garden plant. Deer resistant.
Use Iceplant in a rock garden, on a slope, at the front edge of a bed or between pavers in a path.
Good companion plants include other plants that require similar growing conditions such as sedum,
herbs, artemisia, autumn sage, verbena and lantana.
Sources:
Although I have seen or purchased this plant from the nurseries below, I cannot guarantee that they
will have it in stock at the time this newsletter is published.
Buck Jones Nurseries: Grayson and Woodstock
Habersham Gardens: Atlanta
Hastings Nursery: Atlanta (404) 869-7447
Niche Gardens: mail order
Pike Family Nurseries: multiple locations
Plant Delights Nursery: mail order
Randy's Perennials: Lawrenceville
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