ice plant
Delosperma 'Kelaidis'
Overview
Ice plant (Delosperma 'Kelaidis') is a spectacular low-growing shrub perfect for adding brilliant foliage and flower color to modern gardens. In summer it's adorned with bright hot pink daisy-like flowers that attract a range of pollinators. It has dark green succulent foliage, which glistens like ice under direct sunlight. With its low growing habit, this ice plant is perfect for edging path sides, planters and is a great soil stabilizer in areas that experience high winds. Plus, it's frost resistant, drought tolerant, and thrives in hot temperatures. Ice plant is an all-round desirable species and its vibrant color will make a noticeable addition to any garden.
Care Guide
Watering
Ice plant (Delosperma 'Kelaidis') should be watered deeply and infrequently - about once a week or so - in order for the roots to grow deep and strong. For best results, water the plant thoroughly until moisture trickles out of the pot's drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again. During very hot and dry weather, you may need to water more often. Additionally, it is important to note that ice plants need more water during their active growth periods.
Light
Ice Plant (Delosperma 'Kelaidis') needs full sun to thrive and bloom best, meaning it should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. It is also tolerant of some light shade, but will flower more abundantly if it gets the full amount of sunlight. For optimal growth and blooming production, Ice Plant should be grown in areas that get full sun for most of the day, or dappled sun for most of the day. It is important to keep the soil around the Ice Plant evenly moist, and it will need supplemental watering even during times when it is receiving enough sunlight. So if this plant is in full sun, it should be watered twice a week.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 4–8.
Pruning
Ice plant (Delosperma 'Kelaidis') should be pruned in late spring or early summer. Pruning should be minimal in order to keep the plant looking tidy while removing old blooms. Cut back about 1-third of the stems, removing spent flowers, thinning out stems that are growing too close together, and cutting away any diseased or broken stems. Pruning should be done before new blooms begin forming.
Propagation
Seed Propagation, Cutting, Division, Layering Propagation
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