How to Grow Ice Plant

Ice Plant

Delosperma nubigenum

succulent

Ice Plant is a low-growing, mat-forming succulent ground cover with fleshy, ice-crystal-like leaves that sparkle in sunlight. It produces bright yellow flowers in spring and summer and is exceptionally hardy and drought-tolerant. This alpine succulent is perfect for rock gardens, containers, and xeriscaping.

Growing Conditions

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

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Water: Water sparingly during growing season; allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter dormancy. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure.

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Spacing: 6-12 inches

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Days to maturity: Blooms within first season from transplants; establishes mature mat in 1-2 years

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Planting depth: Surface plant or barely cover roots; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gritty loam, or cactus/succulent potting mix

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Perlite or pumice for drainage Coarse sand Gravel or small rocks

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 4-9; exceptionally cold-hardy for a succulent

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Small transplants with compact rosette form and minimal foliage. Leaves may be green or reddish depending on light exposure.

Plant in spring or fall. Water moderately for first 2-3 weeks to establish root system, then reduce frequency. Protect from excessive moisture.

Vegetative Growth

Spring through early summer

Plant spreads horizontally, developing dense mat of fleshy leaves. Leaves may deepen in color during cooler weather.

Minimal maintenance required. Ensure excellent drainage. No fertilizer needed; too much nitrogen reduces hardiness and increases rot risk.

Flowering

4-8 weeks (spring to early summer)

Bright yellow star-shaped flowers emerge on short stems above the foliage. Flowers open in daytime and close at night.

Deadheading is optional but extends blooming period. Keep soil dry to maintain flower production and plant vigor.

Summer Dormancy

2-3 months (mid-summer)

Growth slows significantly in heat. Foliage may appear less vibrant or stressed-looking.

Water rarely or not at all; plant relies on stored moisture. Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat (above 95°F). Do not fertilize.

Winter Dormancy

3-4 months (fall/winter)

Foliage often turns deep red, burgundy, or purple as temperatures drop. Plant appears almost dormant.

No watering needed except in extreme drought. Excellent cold tolerance down to -20°F (-29°C). No protection required in most zones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Sedum varieties Sempervivum Phlox subulata Armeria maritima Santolina Lavender Sedge (Carex) Rock soapwort

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants (ferns, hostas, astilbe) Plants requiring frequent watering Shade-dependent plants in full sun

Common Pests

Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; improve air circulation; avoid overwatering which encourages infestations
Prevention is key: use well-draining soil, reduce watering, avoid dense crowding. Remove affected plants; do not amend soil with compost
Inspect regularly; remove with rubbing alcohol or horticultural oil spray if infestations occur
Spray with water or insecticidal soap; usually minor issue on healthy plants

Uses

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Drought-tolerant landscaping

Household

Ideal for xeriscaping, water-wise gardens, and areas with low rainfall or water restrictions. Reduces landscape maintenance and water consumption significantly. [source]

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Ground cover and pathway edging

Household

Forms dense mats that suppress weeds and prevent erosion on slopes and rocky areas. Perfect for crevices, rock gardens, and alpine troughs. [source]

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Pollinator and beneficial insect support

Wildlife

Bright yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during spring and summer bloom periods. [source]

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Container and alpine gardening

Craft

Excellent choice for succulent containers, troughs, living roofs, and hypertufa gardens. Thrives in pots with minimal maintenance. [source]

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Cold-hardy alternative to tender succulents

Household

Unlike many succulents, Ice Plant survives harsh winters outdoors and requires no greenhouse protection, making it valuable for northern gardeners. [source]

Harvest Tips

Ice Plant is ornamental and not harvested for food. Enjoy flowers throughout the blooming season. Can be cut for drought-tolerant floral arrangements.

Fun Facts

🌱 The common name 'Ice Plant' refers to the frosted, crystalline appearance of the leaf surface, caused by modified papillae (tiny hair-like projections) that reflect light and help protect the plant from intense UV radiation.
🌱 Delosperma nubigenum is native to the high alpine regions of South Africa and can survive temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C), making it one of the hardiest succulents available and defying the stereotype that all succulents are tender.
🌱 The plant exhibits thermonasty—the ability to open and close its flowers in response to temperature changes, opening during warm daylight hours and closing at night, which protects pollen and conserves moisture.

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