How to Grow Sugartina Crystallina
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Sugartina Crystallina
Lampranthus crystallinus
flowerSugartina Crystallina, commonly called Ice Plant or Crystalline Iceplant, is a low-growing succulent groundcover native to South Africa. It produces vibrant magenta-pink daisy-like flowers and distinctive frosted, crystalline-looking foliage that sparkles in sunlight. This heat and drought-tolerant perennial is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
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Example Sugartina Crystallina timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Sugartina Crystallina
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 Sugartina Crystallina blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sugartina Crystallina dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual in colder zones
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny succulent seedlings emerge with small, fleshy opposite leaves. Crystalline papillae (frosted appearance) begin to develop.
Keep soil lightly moist but not wet. Provide bright light. Avoid damping off by ensuring excellent drainage and air circulation.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops into a spreading mat or mound. Foliage becomes more pronounced with the characteristic crystalline, ice-like appearance intensifying. Leaves are fleshy and gray-green to green.
Water sparingly once established. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer. Prune to encourage bushiness if needed.
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksPlant reaches mature size and begins forming flower buds. Buds appear at stem tips, still tightly closed.
Maintain bright light and warm temperatures. Reduce watering slightly to encourage flowering. Do not fertilize heavily as this delays blooming.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (peak season spring through early summer)Vivid magenta-pink daisy-like flowers (1-1.5 inches across) open during daylight hours, often closing at night and in cloudy weather. Blooms cluster at branch tips.
Maintain full sun and warm conditions. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water only when soil is dry.
Post-bloom/Rest
2-4 monthsFlowering slows as temperatures rise (in hot climates) or as days shorten (in temperate zones). Plant may enter dormancy or semi-dormancy, particularly in winter.
Dramatically reduce watering. Stop fertilizing. Protect from frost in zones 9a-9b. Can be overwintered indoors in containers in colder regions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plants; remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab for small infestations.
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Improve drainage immediately; reduce watering; repot in fresh, dry soil; remove affected portions; may require fungicide if severe.
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Increase humidity slightly; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if population is high; ensure good air circulation.
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Scrape off manually; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; treat repeatedly every 7-10 days.
Uses
Ornamental Groundcover & Landscaping
HouseholdSugartina Crystallina excels as a drought-tolerant groundcover for rock gardens, xeriscapes, and borders. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, containers, and sloped areas where it requires minimal maintenance once established. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe bright magenta flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens. Blooms provide nectar during spring and early summer when some native plants may not yet be flowering. [source]
Succulent Arrangements & Living Walls
CraftLow-maintenance succulent characteristics make it perfect for living walls, living roofs, and mixed succulent container arrangements. Its crystalline foliage provides visual interest year-round, complementing other drought-tolerant plants. [source]
Water Conservation & Climate Adaptation
HouseholdAs a highly drought-tolerant succulent, Sugartina Crystallina is an excellent choice for water-scarce climates and sustainable landscaping. Once established, it thrives with minimal supplemental watering, reducing garden maintenance and resource use. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental plant grown for flowers and foliage, not harvested for food or material. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend blooming season. Cut stems back by 1/3 after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth next season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The crystalline papillae (tiny hair-like structures) that cover the foliage sparkle in sunlight and give this plant its 'ice plant' nickname—they also help the plant reflect excess heat and conserve water.
- 🌱 Flowers are heliotropic, meaning they track the sun throughout the day and often close at night or on cloudy days, conserving energy and protecting pollen from moisture.
- 🌱 Sugartina Crystallina is native to the arid Namaqualand region of South Africa, where it thrives in harsh, dry conditions—making it one of the hardiest ornamental succulents for water-wise gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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