Ice Plant ‘Hardy Trailing Purple’

Delosperma cooperi

Characteristics

Culture

Ice Plant ‘Hardy Trailing Purple’ is a mat-forming succulent with trailing stems, needle-like leaves, and daisy-like flowers. It grows up to 6 inches tall with a spread of 24 inches. Leaves are light green, nearly cylindrical, up to 2 inches long, and up to 0.25 inches in diameter. This plant blooms continuously from early summer to fall. Ice Plant ‘Hardy Trailing Purple’ flowers are produced in such quantities that they cover the foliage. Ice Plants are an indispensable component of drought-tolerant landscapes, featuring attractive succulent foliage, low spreading stems, and shimmering flowers that add color and texture to the garden floor. Reduce watering in fall to help harden it off for winter, as cold will be less likely to damage the succulent leaves if they are not quite so full of water.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Delosperma cooperi flowers love the sun, but close up at night and remain closed on cloudy days.  Use gravel mulch to keep the branches and crown of the plant dry in winter.  Cold Hardy Ice Plant was introduced in the early 1990s through the Denver Botanic Garden. Its introduction started the keen interest in Ice Plants for use in the Intermountain and western areas of the US. An excellent groundcover, it likes summer irrigation in dry climates to bloom and grow well. Use gravel mulch to keep the branches and crown of the plant dry in winter.  Hardy Trailing Purple Ice Plants are drought-resistant and do not require fertile soils, but they hate sitting in water. they will profit from occasional watering in the summer heat, as long as the drainage is excellent.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Too much soil moisture combined with poorly-drained soils may lead to the onset of root rot.

Garden Uses

Ice Plant ‘Hardy Trailing Purple’ serves as an excellent bedding plant or ground cover for rock gardens or small garden areas. Good for containers and hanging baskets.