How to Plant Ice Plant: A Beginner’s Guide!
How to Plant Ice Plant?
To plant ice plant, start by selecting a suitable variety such as Delosperma ashtonii ‘Blut’, Delosperma Lavender Ice, Delosperma sp.
‘Lesotho Pink’, or Delosperma Fire Spinner®.
These varieties offer different flower colors and cold hardiness levels.
Once you have chosen the variety, prepare the planting area by clearing any weeds or grass and loosening the soil.
Plant the ice plant by digging a hole slightly larger than the root ball and placing the plant in the hole.
Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the plant.
Water thoroughly after planting and continue to water regularly until the plant becomes established.
Ice plants thrive in well-draining soil and prefer full sun.
They are drought-tolerant once established and require minimal maintenance.
Key Points:
- Select a suitable variety of ice plant such as Delosperma ashtonii ‘Blut’, Delosperma Lavender Ice, Delosperma sp. ‘Lesotho Pink’, or Delosperma Fire Spinner®.
- Clear the planting area of weeds or grass and loosen the soil.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the ice plant and place the plant in the hole.
- Backfill the hole with soil and gently firm it around the plant.
- Water thoroughly after planting and continue regular watering until the plant becomes established.
- Ice plants prefer well-draining soil, full sun, and minimal maintenance.
Did You Know?
1. Ice plant is not actually made of ice! Its name comes from the glistening appearance of its succulent leaves, which resemble chunks of ice.
2. Originating from South Africa, ice plant was first introduced to California as a way to stabilize soils and control erosion along highways and slopes.
3. Despite its name, ice plant is well-adapted to survive in dry and arid conditions. Its ability to store water in its fleshy leaves allows it to thrive in sandy or rocky soils.
4. The vibrant flowers of ice plant come in a variety of colors, ranging from pink and purple to yellow and white. These flowers attract an array of pollinators, including butterflies and bees.
5. While ice plant is an excellent ground cover, providing erosion control and drought tolerance, it can also become invasive in certain regions. Its ability to spread rapidly through seed dispersal and stem fragmentation has led to its classification as an invasive species in some areas.
Delosperma Ashtonii ‘Blut’: Characteristics And Cold Hardiness
The Delosperma Ashtonii ‘Blut’ is a stunning ice plant variety with its dark magenta flowers and dark green foliage. This long-blooming plant adds a vibrant splash of color to any garden or landscape. One of its notable features is its cold hardiness, allowing it to withstand freezing temperatures without damage.
In addition to its beauty, this ice plant is also evergreen, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the year. During winter, the leaves of the Delosperma Ashtonii ‘Blut’ undergo a beautiful transformation and turn plum-colored, adding depth and interest to the landscape.
It is important to note that Delosperma Ashtonii ‘Blut’ is also categorized as a xeric plant, meaning it is adapted to thrive in dry conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for drought-prone regions where water conservation is important. However, it is important to provide adequate irrigation for optimal growth and flowering.
Delosperma Lavender Ice: A Plant Select® Award Winner
Another exquisite ice plant variety is the Delosperma Lavender Ice, which gained recognition as a Plant Select® Award Winner in 2009. This variety showcases pastel lavender-pink flowers that are truly captivating. Known for its extended blooming period, the Delosperma Lavender Ice ensures a pop of color and beauty in the garden for an extended time.
For even more visual impact, it is recommended to mix the Delosperma Lavender Ice with ‘Blut’ or other magenta or pink-flowered ice plants. This combination creates a stunning composition of complementary colors and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the garden.
During winter, the foliage of the Delosperma Lavender Ice undergoes a transformation, turning purplish. This adds further visual interest and diversity to the landscape, making it an excellent choice for those looking to create a dynamic and vibrant garden throughout the year.
Delosperma Sp. ‘Lesotho Pink’: Cold Hardy And Early Blooming
If you’re looking for an ice plant variety that blooms early and thrives in cold conditions, the Delosperma Sp. ‘Lesotho Pink’ is a perfect choice. This unique ice plant was selected from seed collected at an elevation of 11,000 feet in Lesotho, South Africa, making it exceptionally cold hardy.
The plant features bright green foliage that forms a tight growing mat, giving the garden a lush and compact appearance. In early to mid-spring, the Delosperma Sp. ‘Lesotho Pink’ blooms with bright pink flowers, providing a splash of color to the landscape.
This particular ice plant variety is known for its ability to tolerate colder temperatures, making it one of the first cold hardy ice plants to bloom in spring. It is best suited for higher elevations and cooler summers, making it an ideal choice for mountainous or northern regions.
- Selected from seed collected at an elevation of 11,000 feet in Lesotho, South Africa
- Exceptionally cold hardy
- Bright green foliage forms a tight growing mat
- Blooms with bright pink flowers in early to mid-spring
- Tolerates colder temperatures
- One of the first cold hardy ice plants to bloom in spring
- Best suited for higher elevations and cooler summers
- Ideal choice for mountainous or northern regions.
Delosperma Fire Spinner®: Award-Winning Orange And Purple Blooms
For those seeking an ice plant with a unique color combination, the Delosperma Fire Spinner® is a remarkable choice. Winner of the Plant Select® Award in 2012, this variety showcases flowers that combine shades of orange and purple, creating an eye-catching display.
It is important to note that the Delosperma Fire Spinner® is not suitable for regions with warm winter climates. It thrives in zones 5-8 and requires a period of dormancy during the colder months. However, when grown in the appropriate climate, this ice plant variety rewards gardeners with its spectacular blooms in late spring.
Recommended Pairing: Mixing ‘Blut’ With Magenta Or Pink Varieties
To create a visually stunning garden, pair the Delosperma Ashtonii ‘Blut’ with other ice plant varieties that boast magenta or pink-colored flowers. The combination of ‘Blut’ with these complementary hues will create a harmonious and vibrant display that will surely catch the eye.
By strategically placing the Delosperma Ashtonii ‘Blut’ alongside these magenta or pink varieties, you can create a visually appealing garden with a cohesive color scheme. This pairing can be particularly effective in borders, rock gardens, or when utilized as a groundcover.
Delosperma Ashtonii ‘Blut’: Discovered By Kelly Grummons
It is worth mentioning that the Delosperma Ashtonii ‘Blut’ was discovered by the esteemed nurseryman Kelly Grummons. His keen eye for unique and exceptional plants led to the introduction of this stunning ice plant variety.
With its dark magenta flowers, dark green foliage, and plum-colored winter transformation, the Delosperma Ashtonii ‘Blut’ is a testament to Grummons’ dedication to discovering and promoting remarkable plant varieties. Gardeners can now enjoy the beauty of this ice plant in their own landscapes, thanks to his discovery.
Planting and caring for ice plants such as Delosperma Ashtonii ‘Blut,’ Delosperma Lavender Ice, Delosperma Sp. ‘Lesotho Pink,’ and Delosperma Fire Spinner® can be a rewarding and visually captivating endeavor. These ice plant varieties offer a range of colors, blooms, and cold hardiness, making them suitable for various climates and garden styles. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, these plants are sure to add beauty and interest to any landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you grow ice plant from cuttings?
Yes, ice plants can indeed be grown from cuttings. With spring being the ideal season for this process, it is recommended to carefully take a cutting using a sharp knife. The Ice plant has the remarkable ability to produce runners, and as these runners touch the soil, new ice plants will form at each point of contact. By taking advantage of this unique characteristic, one can easily propagate ice plants from cuttings and expand their garden with these vibrant and hardy plants.
Can ice plant be grown in pots?
Yes, ice plants can be grown in pots, making them a versatile option for gardeners. These flowering succulents, with their cascading stems, can thrive in containers, providing a striking and vibrant addition to any garden or patio. Whether planted in a hanging basket or a mixed planter, ice plants offer the convenience of easy maintenance while adding beauty and color to the surroundings. Their ability to grow in pots makes them a popular choice for those looking to bring the allure of ice plants to limited garden spaces or urban settings.
Is ice plant easy to transplant?
Transplanting ice plants can be a straightforward process due to their ability to spread and propagate naturally. One method is to snip the stems that have rooted away from the parent plant and carefully transplant them. Additionally, ice plants can be easily propagated through division. By taking advantage of these natural abilities, transplanting ice plants becomes a relatively simple task.
Is ice plant hard to grow?
Ice plants are generally not hard to grow, as they are known for being easy and low maintenance. However, it is important to note that they can be temperamental under suboptimal growing conditions. Providing the right environment, such as well-draining soil, full sunlight, and moderate watering, can greatly enhance their success. It’s best to ensure these conditions are met to enjoy the beauty and resilience of ice plants in your garden.