How to Grow Frozen in Time Pink
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Frozen in Time Pink
Delosperma 'Frozen in Time Pink'
flowerFrozen in Time Pink is a compact, cold-hardy succulent ground cover known for its vibrant magenta-pink daisy-like flowers that bloom prolifically throughout warm months. This cultivar of ice plant is exceptionally hardy and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for rock gardens, alpine troughs, and xeriscaping projects. It spreads slowly to form dense mats of fleshy foliage adorned with masses of blooms.
When should you plant Frozen in Time Pink in your zone?
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Example Frozen in Time Pink timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Frozen in Time Pink
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Frozen in Time Pink blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Frozen in Time Pink dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, exceptional cold hardiness allows cultivation in harsh alpine and mountain climates
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Get my Frozen in Time Pink timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksTiny rooted rosettes with minimal growth; foliage is pale green and compact
Water carefully until established (2-3 weeks); avoid waterlogging. Protect from excessive moisture and frost heave in first winter. Mulch with grit rather than organic material.
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksLow-growing rosettes expand horizontally; foliage deepens in color and becomes more fleshy
Minimal watering needed; reduce fertilizer or skip entirely as it encourages soft, less hardy growth. Drought stress actually improves hardiness and flower production.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear as small nodules at stem tips; foliage remains green to slightly reddish
Continue drought conditions to promote blooming. No staking needed. Pinching is not necessary but can promote branching if desired early in season.
Flowering
8-16 weeks (spring through early fall)Abundant magenta-pink daisy-like flowers with pointed petals open in succession; each bloom lasts 1 day but succession continues
Deadheading extends bloom season but is not mandatory. Continue very light watering. Ensure adequate sun exposure for consistent blooming throughout the season.
Dormancy/Winter
3-5 months (depending on zone)Foliage may take on bronze or reddish tones; growth stops completely. Plant persists under snow or in dry dormant state above ground.
No watering; provide excellent drainage to prevent ice damage and rot. In areas with heavy winter moisture, ensure on a slope or raised bed. Mulch with gravel only, never organic mulch.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prevent through excellent drainage; never overwater. Remove affected plants entirely. Improve soil drainage with sand, perlite, and gravel amendments.
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Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if noted. Ensure good air circulation. Remove heavily infested plants.
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Spray with strong water stream or horticultural oil. Generally minor pest. Rarely requires intervention.
Uses
Not for consumption
CulinaryWhile non-toxic, ice plants are not traditionally used as food or culinary ingredient. The succulent foliage is not palatable. [source]
Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscaping
HouseholdFrozen in Time Pink is ideal for water-wise gardens, rock gardens, alpine troughs, green roofs, and containers in regions with water restrictions. Its extreme hardiness allows cultivation in cold climates where water-conserving plants are typically tender. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe prolific magenta-pink flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects throughout the growing season. Provides critical nectar and pollen when many other alpine plants have finished blooming. [source]
Fresh and dried flower arrangements
CraftStems with developing buds provide continuous bloom for fresh arrangements despite individual flowers lasting one day. Dried foliage and seed heads add texture to crafts and dry arrangements. [source]
Traditional folk remedies
MedicinalWhile not widely used in modern herbalism, ice plants have appeared in some traditional medicine systems for minor skin applications. Not recommended for internal use; evidence is limited and anecdotal. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested as Frozen in Time Pink is an ornamental flower grown for blooms and foliage. Enjoy in-ground or harvest stems for fresh arrangements (individual blooms last only one day but stems with buds provide continuous opening). For propagation, collect mature rosettes in late summer and allow to dry before rooting in grit.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Frozen in Time Pink earned its name from its extraordinary cold hardiness for an ice plant—it survives in USDA zone 3 with temperatures dropping to -40°F (-40°C), exceptional for a genus typically considered tender.
- 🌱 The 'ice plant' common name refers not to cold tolerance but to the crystalline, water-filled bladder cells (vesicles) covering the foliage that sparkle like ice in sunlight.
- 🌱 Individual flowers last only one day (ephemeral blooms), but a single healthy plant can produce hundreds of flowers in succession throughout the growing season, creating continuous color.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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