Delosperma (Ice Plant) Growth and Care Guide

Delosperma, commonly called Ice Plant, is one of those tough, dependable plants I reach for when the sun is relentless and the soil isn’t doing you any favors. It delivers bright, cheerful flowers and tidy, low-growing coverage with very little water once established. This Plant Guide will walk you through how to grow Delosperma successfully, from choosing the right location to getting the best bloom performance through heat and drought. We will also cover the best varieties, and how to best incorporate it in the garden.

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By: Reggie Meehan (2/3/2026)

Introduction to Delosperma (Ice Plant)

When gardeners ask me for a plant that can take heat, drought, and poor soil without flinching, Delosperma is almost always one of my first suggestions. Most folks know it as Ice Plant, and once you’ve grown it, you understand why it’s earned that reputation. It’s one of those plants that gives you big, bright color without demanding much in return, which is something I’ve learned to appreciate more and more over the years. In sunny borders, rock gardens, and even containers, Delosperma brings a punch of color where other plants tend to struggle.

Delosperma comes from South Africa and belongs to the Aizoaceae family, which explains its love for hot, dry conditions. The flowers are daisy-like and incredibly cheerful, blooming steadily from spring well into fall in most climates. Those tiny, glistening cells on the leaves—what give Ice Plant its name—catch the sunlight and almost sparkle, especially in the heat of the day. Depending on the variety, Delosperma is hardy in USDA Zones 5–11, and once it settles in, it becomes one of the most dependable groundcovers you can plant.

I first used Delosperma on a rocky slope where nothing else wanted to grow, and it quickly proved itself. The soil was thin, the sun was intense, and water was limited—but Delosperma didn’t mind one bit. The succulent foliage hugged the ground, filled in beautifully, and before long the whole area was covered in bright blooms. Even during the hottest, driest stretches of summer, it kept flowering like nothing could slow it down. Plants like that earn their place in the garden—and Delosperma has earned its place in mine many times over.

Characteristics of Delosperma (Ice Plant)

Delosperma, more commonly called Ice Plant, is one of those plants that earns its keep the minute the weather turns hot and dry. I appreciate it because it doesn’t just survive tough conditions—it actually looks good doing it. Between its bright blooms, water-holding foliage, and easygoing nature, Delosperma has become a dependable choice for gardeners who want color without constant care. It adapts beautifully to rock gardens, slopes, sandy soils, and other challenging spots where many plants struggle to settle in.

Size and Growth Habit

Most Delosperma varieties stay low to the ground, usually topping out around 3–6 inches tall and spreading 12–24 inches wide. That mat-forming habit is one of its biggest strengths. It fills in quickly, hugs the soil, and creates a dense carpet that helps suppress weeds and stabilize slopes. I often use it along walkways, at the edges of rock walls, or spilling slightly over containers, where it softens hard lines and adds color without ever feeling unruly. Once it gets established, it does a great job of covering bare spots and making a planting feel finished.

Leaves and Flowers

The foliage is fleshy and succulent, which is exactly what gives Delosperma its impressive drought tolerance. Those thick leaves store water efficiently, allowing the plant to sail through dry spells with very little help. If you look closely, you’ll notice a subtle, crystalline shimmer on the leaves—especially in bright sunlight—which is where the name “Ice Plant” comes from. Even when it’s not in bloom, that texture adds interest to the garden.

The flowers are what really steal the show. They’re daisy-like and incredibly cheerful, blooming in shades of magenta, pink, orange, yellow, purple, and white. Some varieties even offer bicolor blooms that really pop against stone or gravel. Delosperma blooms generously from late spring through summer and often well into fall, opening during the day and closing up in the evening. Bees and other pollinators love it, which is always a bonus in my book.

Is Delosperma Annual or Perennial?

Delosperma is a true perennial in many climates, typically hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5–11 depending on the variety. It thrives in heat and dry conditions, but winter success really comes down to drainage. I’ve seen Ice Plant struggle far more from wet soil than from cold temperatures. Planting it in well-drained soil—or even slightly raised areas—makes all the difference. In colder or wetter regions, some gardeners treat it as an annual or grow it in containers that can be protected over winter. With the right conditions, though, Delosperma can return year after year and just get better with time.

Best Varieties of Delosperma (Ice Plant)

Over the years, Delosperma breeding has come a long way, and not all Ice Plants perform the same anymore. Some varieties bloom longer, handle cold better, or simply look cleaner in the garden than the old standbys. When I’m choosing Delosperma, I focus on series that combine strong color, dependable growth, and the kind of toughness that holds up through real-world conditions—not just ideal ones.

Rock Crystal Series

The Rock Crystal Series is one I reach for when I want bright, reliable color and a tidy, low-growing habit. These plants are known for their clear, saturated flower colors and long bloom season, even through heat and drought. Rock Crystal Orange brings a bold, energetic color that really pops against stone and gravel, while Rock Crystal Yellow offers a softer, sunny look that blends beautifully with silver foliage and other drought-tolerant plants. Both stay compact, spread evenly, and keep blooming when many other groundcovers start to fade.

Jewel of the Desert Series

If cold tolerance and flower density are top priorities, the Jewel of the Desert Series stands out. These varieties were bred to handle tougher winters while delivering heavy, season-long blooms. Jewel of the Desert Garnet is my pick for deep, dramatic color, offering rich red tones that don’t wash out in summer heat. Jewel of the Desert Opal takes a softer approach, with luminous pink flowers that feel refined and elegant while still delivering the same toughness and reliability the series is known for.

Delmara™Series

The Delmara™ Series is a great option for gardeners looking for strong performance with a slightly more refined, modern look. These varieties tend to stay tight and controlled, with excellent flower coverage and consistent growth. I like Delmara selections for smaller spaces, edging, and containers where you want Ice Plant to behave itself and look intentional rather than wild. They still bring the heat and drought tolerance Delosperma is known for, just in a more polished package.

How to Grow and Care for Delosperma (Ice Plant)

Delosperma is tough, heat-loving, and surprisingly forgiving as long as you get a few basics right. Give it sun, sharp drainage, and don’t water it to death, and it will reward you with months of blooms. Once established, this is a plant that largely takes care of itself.

Planting Delosperma

I always prefer planting Delosperma in spring, once the soil has warmed and the threat of hard frost has passed. Choose a spot with full sun and naturally well-drained soil—rocky or sandy areas are ideal and actually help this plant perform better. Space plants about 12–18 inches apart so they have room to spread and plenty of air circulation. If you’re planting in containers, use a cactus or succulent mix and make sure the pot drains freely. Getting drainage right at planting time makes all the difference long term.

Sunlight Requirements

Ice Plant needs full sun to really shine. I look for at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day to keep plants compact and flowering heavily. In extremely hot climates, a little afternoon shade won’t hurt, but too much shade will quickly reduce blooms and weaken growth. If Delosperma looks thin or reluctant to flower, lack of sun is usually the first thing I check.

Soil Requirements

Good drainage isn’t optional with Delosperma—it’s essential. These plants absolutely hate sitting in wet soil, especially in winter. Sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils are perfect, and heavier soils should be amended with grit or planted on a slight slope or raised area. I’ve seen Ice Plant tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it never tolerates soggy roots. If water lingers after a rain, that’s not the right spot.

Watering Needs

When Delosperma is first planted, regular watering helps it establish a strong root system. Once established, though, it needs very little supplemental water. I let the soil dry out completely between waterings and err on the dry side. Overwatering is the fastest way to lose an Ice Plant, especially in containers. Think desert conditions, not lush garden beds, and you’ll be much closer to success.

Fertilizer Needs

Ice Plants are not heavy feeders, and too much fertilizer often causes more harm than good. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is plenty. In very poor soils, a diluted liquid feed mid-season can help, but most of the time I leave them alone. Too much fertilizer leads to excess foliage and fewer flowers, which defeats the whole purpose of growing Delosperma.

Pruning & Maintenance

Delosperma doesn’t require much pruning, but a little cleanup goes a long way. I’ll deadhead spent flowers or trim back leggy growth to keep plants looking neat and encourage fresh blooms. If stems get damaged or stretched, a light trim usually brings them right back. In fall, I remove any dead or mushy growth so plants go into winter clean and healthy.

Overwintering

Delosperma is generally hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, but winter success depends heavily on drainage. Cold alone doesn’t usually kill Ice Plant—wet soil does. I like using gravel mulch around the base of plants to improve drainage and protect crowns during winter. For container-grown plants, moving them to a cool, bright spot indoors before hard frost is a safe option. Come spring, healthy plants bounce back quickly.

Common Pests

Ice Plants are fairly pest-resistant, which is another reason I like them. Occasionally, aphids or mealybugs show up, especially on stressed plants. A strong spray of water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil usually clears things up quickly. Regular checks make it easy to catch issues before they get out of hand.

Common Diseases

Root rot is the most common problem I see with Delosperma, and it’s almost always tied to poor drainage or overwatering. If plants start collapsing or turning mushy at the base, excess moisture is the culprit. Powdery mildew can show up in humid conditions, but good spacing and air circulation usually prevent it. Healthy growing conditions solve most disease issues before they start.

Common Mistakes

The biggest mistake gardeners make with Ice Plant is watering too often. Planting in heavy, poorly draining soil is another common issue that leads to failure. I also see people try to grow Delosperma in too much shade, which results in weak growth and few flowers. Full sun, dry soil, and restraint with water are the keys to success.

Common Misconceptions

Some gardeners worry that Ice Plant is invasive, but most Delosperma varieties are well-behaved and easy to manage. Another misconception is that it can grow in full shade—it really can’t if you want good flowering. And while Delosperma is drought-tolerant, it still needs water during establishment and extreme drought. Understanding what this plant truly needs makes it one of the easiest, most rewarding groundcovers you can grow.

Using Delosperma in the Garden

Delosperma, commonly known as Ice Plant, is a versatile and vibrant addition to any garden, bringing bold color and resilience to a variety of settings. Its hardy nature, drought tolerance, and long-lasting blooms make it a favorite among gardeners looking for low-maintenance yet impactful plants. Whether used as ground cover, in rock gardens, or in containers, Delosperma adds beauty and functionality to the landscape.

Ground Cover

Delosperma is one of my favorite groundcovers for tough spots where other plants tend to struggle. Its low-growing, spreading habit allows it to knit together quickly, forming a dense mat that helps hold soil in place on slopes and rocky areas. As it spreads, the stems root along the way, which makes it especially effective for erosion control without looking stiff or engineered. From late spring through fall, the steady run of flowers—pink, purple, yellow, white, and everything in between—adds continuous color right at ground level. I also like using Delosperma to fill gaps in xeriscape and drought-tolerant plantings, where it keeps everything looking finished with very little effort.

Rock Gardens

Rock gardens are where Delosperma really feels at home. The succulent foliage and bright blooms thrive in the dry, sunny conditions that come with gravel, stone, and exposed soil. I love how the flowers pop against neutral rock tones, bringing life and color to spaces that can otherwise feel harsh. Delosperma tucks in beautifully alongside sedum, hens-and-chicks, and creeping thyme, and it has a natural way of softening hard edges. Whether it’s spilling gently over stones or filling small crevices, it adds texture and movement that makes rock gardens feel intentional rather than sparse.

Containers

Delosperma is surprisingly good in containers, especially shallow pots, bowls, and troughs where drainage is excellent. Its trailing habit softens the edges of containers, while the flowers keep things colorful for months at a time. I always use a cactus or succulent mix to avoid excess moisture, and I like pairing it with other drought-tolerant plants such as sedum or ornamental grasses for low-maintenance combinations. Container-grown Delosperma is also easy to move, which is helpful in colder climates where you may want to offer a little winter protection. It’s a great way to enjoy Ice Plant up close on patios and balconies without adding extra work.

Delosperma Dazzles With Succulent Beauty

Looking to grow Delosperma, commonly known as Ice Plant, in your landscape? At Garden Delivery, we offer vibrant, heat-loving Delosperma varieties, prized for their brilliant, daisy-like blooms and low-growing, succulent foliage. This ground-hugging perennial thrives in full sun and poor, well-drained soil—making it ideal for slopes, rock gardens, borders, and xeriscapes. The shimmering flowers bloom continuously from spring through fall and attract pollinators while requiring almost no maintenance. Its evergreen foliage adds year-round interest and helps stabilize soil, making it as practical as it is beautiful. Add Delosperma to your garden today for vivid color, drought tolerance, and effortless groundcover.