Botanical Name: Delosperma cooperi ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’

Common Name: Ice Plant

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 5–10)

Size: 4–6" Tall × 12–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Spreading, Mat-Forming

Sunlight: Thrives in Full Sun

Soil: Prefers Very Well-Drained Soil; Performs Best in Sandy or Rocky Soils

Water Needs: Very Low Once Established; Excellent Drought Tolerance

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Fall

Fertilizer: Minimal Feeding; Excess Fertility Reduces Flowering

Features: Deep Garnet-Red Blooms, High Flower Density, Evergreen Succulent Foliage, Extreme Heat & Drought Tolerance, Deer Resistant, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Ideal for Rock Gardens, Slopes, Borders, Edging, Gravel Beds, Containers, and Dry Landscapes

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

Series Note: Part of the Jewel of the Desert Series, known for superior cold hardiness, intense flower color, and heavy, season-long blooming.

See our complete Delosperma Growth & Care Guide for full care details.

More About Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’

Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ carries a richness of color that immediately commands attention in the landscape. The blooms are a true, velvety garnet red, deep and saturated without tipping into orange or hot pink, and they create a dramatic carpet of color when the plant is in full stride. In bright sun, the petals almost appear lacquered, with a subtle sheen that intensifies the depth of tone. Flowering begins in late Spring and does not taper off with the first stretch of heat. Flowering continues in steady waves through Summer and into early Fall. It is the kind of red that feels bold but refined rather than loud.

The foliage is thick, succulent, and tightly layered, forming a low, spreading mat that hugs the ground closely. Over time, it creates a uniform surface that feels deliberate and well contained, especially along pathways or between stones. I have always appreciated how Delosperma can soften hardscapes without looking messy, and Garnet does that beautifully. In milder Winters, the foliage often remains semi evergreen, giving beds and borders a structured look even when most perennials have disappeared. That year round presence adds value far beyond its bloom season.

What sets ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ apart is its breeding focus on resilience. This is not am Ice Plant that thrives for a season or two and then fades out after a harsh Winter. It was selected for improved cold hardiness and stronger crown integrity, which means less dieback and more consistent Spring regrowth. Gardeners near the edge of the Delosperma hardiness range can plant it with far more confidence. Instead of gambling on survival, you are investing in a groundcover that is built to endure.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our Upstate South Carolina trials at Garden Delivery, ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ has proven itself as both a color statement and a workhorse. Through stretches of high humidity, reflected heat off stone, and irregular rainfall, it has stayed dense and evenly covered. The flowering remains surprisingly consistent, without the long pauses some red varieties experience midseason. Even under stress, the foliage does not thin out or separate at the center. It holds together as one cohesive mat.

We also notice how cleanly it transitions through the seasons. After Winter, it wakes up uniformly and begins pushing fresh growth without the hollow centers or uneven gaps that can plague lesser selections. Design wise, that garnet tone is incredibly useful. It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, blue fescue, lavender, and silver leaved perennials, and it makes natural stone look warmer and more intentional. When I want a groundcover that anchors a sunny slope or adds weight to a gravel garden, this is one I reach for confidently.

Jewel of the Desert Garnet vs. Other Delosperma

Jewel of the Desert Garnet stands apart for its deep, rich red coloring and improved cold tolerance. When compared to Jewel of the Desert Opal, Garnet is bolder and more striking, while Opal offers a softer, more understated effect. Garnet also tends to handle colder winters better than the Rock Crystal selections, returning more reliably in Spring.

Compared to Rock Crystal Orange, Garnet is darker and more dramatic, trading brightness for intensity. Against Rock Crystal Yellow, Garnet provides far more contrast and visual weight, making it better suited as a focal point.I like Garnet when I want a strong anchor color that holds its depth through heat and into late season.