How to Grow Ice Plant 'Fire Spinner'
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Ice Plant 'Fire Spinner'
Delosperma 'Fire Spinner'
succulentIce Plant 'Fire Spinner' is a vibrant succulent groundcover known for its striking bicolor flowers that blend fiery red and orange with yellow centers. This low-growing, spreading variety produces fleshy, ice-crystal-like foliage and blooms profusely from late spring through fall. It's an excellent choice for rock gardens, containers, and arid landscapes.
When should you plant Ice Plant 'Fire Spinner' in your zone?
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Example Ice Plant 'Fire Spinner' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ice Plant 'Fire Spinner'
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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Harvest Ice Plant 'Fire Spinner'
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ice Plant 'Fire Spinner' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; hardier than many ice plant varieties
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Establishment
2-3 weeksYoung transplants with sparse, thin leaves and minimal branching
Water lightly but regularly for 2-3 weeks to establish roots. Avoid overwatering. Ensure excellent drainage. Place in full sun.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksPlant develops dense mat of succulent foliage; leaves turn vibrant green with reddish tones under sun stress
Reduce watering frequency as plant establishes. Pinch stems lightly to encourage bushier growth and side branching. Apply balanced fertilizer sparingly (or none if soil is adequate).
Budding & Early Bloom
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin forming at stem tips; buds are tightly clustered and gradually elongate
Maintain dry conditions and full sun to intensify flower color. Do not overhead water; use drip irrigation or water at soil level only. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer.
Full Flowering
6-12 weeks (repeating)Prolific daisy-like flowers with fiery red-orange petals and bright yellow centers blanket the foliage
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain dry, sunny conditions. Water minimally. Enjoy extended display from late spring through fall.
Dormancy & Winter Rest
3-4 monthsFoliage persists but growth slows; flowering ceases or greatly reduces in cold zones
Reduce watering to minimal or none. Provide excellent drainage to prevent rot in freezing, wet conditions. Mulch lightly with grit in zone 5 for winter protection. No fertilizer needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prevent with excellent drainage and reduced watering. Remove affected plants. Improve air circulation. Use fungal-resistant soil mixes.
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove infested leaves. Isolate affected plants. Ensure good air flow.
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Increase air circulation. Spray with water to dislodge. Use neem oil or miticide if severe. Avoid overhead watering.
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Remove by hand or with soft brush. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Repeat treatments weekly as needed.
Uses
Garden Groundcover & Landscape Plant
OrnamentalPerfect for rock gardens, xeriscapes, alpine gardens, and slopes where erosion control is needed. Creates vibrant color accent with minimal maintenance and water inputs. [source]
Container & Pot Culture
HouseholdThrives in shallow containers, troughs, and hanging baskets for patios, balconies, and indoor sunny windowsills. Easy to move indoors in harsh winters for zone 5 gardeners. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeBright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects during long blooming season, providing late-season forage when other sources are scarce. [source]
Edible Flowers (Limited Use)
CulinaryDelosperma flowers are technically edible and occasionally used as garnish in specialty cuisine, though they have minimal flavor profile and are primarily ornamental. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested as a crop plant. Deadhead spent flowers by pinching or cutting just below the spent bloom to encourage more blooms and maintain neat appearance. Flowers are long-lasting but benefit from removal once they fade.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ice Plants earned their name from the distinctive crystalline hair-like structures (papillae) covering their leaves, which resemble ice crystals and help reflect intense sunlight in their native South African habitat.
- 🌱 'Fire Spinner' is notably one of the hardiest Delosperma cultivars, surviving zone 5 winters reliably, whereas many ice plant varieties are only hardy to zone 8-9.
- 🌱 The plant's vibrant red and orange pigments intensify under sun stress and drought conditions—the harsher the environment, the more spectacular the color display.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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