How to Grow Ice Plant

Ice Plant

Delosperma floribundum

flower

Ice Plant is a low-growing succulent groundcover with vibrant magenta or pink flowers that bloom profusely in spring and summer. The fleshy, needle-like foliage is covered in crystalline cell structures that glisten like ice in sunlight, giving the plant its distinctive common name. It is drought-tolerant, frost-hardy, and ideal for rock gardens, borders, and xeriscaping.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but flowers best in full sun

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Water: Low water needs once established; water sparingly during growing season, reduce in winter; drought-tolerant; avoid overwatering as it causes root rot

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days to significant flowering

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Planting depth: Plant at soil level; do not bury crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil, poor to moderately fertile

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Coarse sand perlite gravel compost (minimal)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Establishment

2-3 weeks

Small transplants with thin, needle-like foliage establishing root systems

Water lightly until roots establish (2-3 weeks); protect from excessive moisture; plant in well-draining soil to prevent rot

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Compact mounding growth with dense foliage, plant fills out horizontally across the soil

Minimal watering needed; no fertilizer required or use very dilute solution; allow soil to dry between waterings

Budding & Flowering

6-10 weeks

Flower buds form at branch tips; bright magenta or pink flowers appear and cover the plant

Maintain dry conditions; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; avoid overhead watering

Peak Flowering

4-6 weeks

Maximum flower production with dense bloom coverage across the entire plant

Continue deadheading; provide full sun exposure; water only if foliage shows stress; monitor for pests

Summer Dormancy & Decline

4-8 weeks (varies by region)

Flowering slows or stops in intense heat; plant may look stressed; prepares for cooler fall conditions

Reduce watering further; provide afternoon shade in hot climates (zones 8-9); prune back lightly if needed

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Sedum Stonecrop Alyssum Lavender Russian Sage Santolina Germander Creeping Phlox Sedge

Avoid planting near:

plants requiring frequent watering hostas hydrangeas astilbe plants sensitive to drought

Common Pests

Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; improve soil aeration; remove affected plants if severe
Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or horticultural oil if infestation is heavy; increase air circulation
Remove by hand or with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil; improve drainage to reduce conditions they favor
and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; use copper barriers; reduce watering to make conditions less favorable

Uses

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Edible Garnish

Culinary

The fleshy leaves can be used as a subtle edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding a mildly tart, crunchy texture. The plant is non-toxic and occasionally used in gourmet cuisine for visual appeal. [source]

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Groundcover & Landscaping

Household

Excellent for rock gardens, alpine troughs, border edging, and xeriscaping due to its low maintenance and drought tolerance. Its dense mat-forming habit suppresses weeds and requires minimal pruning or maintenance. [source]

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Fresh & Dried Arrangements

Craft

The bright magenta flowers are excellent for fresh or dried floral arrangements and add vibrant color to bouquets. Succulent foliage retains its appearance well when dried. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable for supporting insect populations in gardens. Blooms prolifically during spring and early summer when pollinators are most active. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

In some African and Mediterranean traditions, Delosperma species have been used in folk remedies, though modern scientific evidence is limited. The succulent leaves may have mild antimicrobial properties. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Deadhead spent flowers by pinching off spent blooms to encourage additional flower production throughout the season. In late fall, cut back leggy or overgrown plants by one-third to maintain compact, bushy shape. No traditional 'harvest' as this is an ornamental; cut sprigs for fresh arrangements.

Fun Facts

🌱 The distinctive 'ice' appearance comes from epidermal bladder cells (conical cells) that cover the foliage and reflect light, creating a crystalline, frost-covered look even in warm weather.
🌱 Delosperma floribundum is native to South Africa and is exceptionally cold-hardy for a succulent, surviving winter temperatures to zone 5 where many tender succulents cannot.
🌱 The name 'Delosperma' comes from Greek words meaning 'visible seed' (delos = visible, sperma = seed), referring to the prominent seeds visible in the fruit.

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