Ice Plant 'Ice Cream Fire' (Delosperma)

Where to Plant:

This hardy ice plant is a sun-loving succulent that produces a dazzling, mat-forming display of bicoloured orange and pink flowers. It absolutely must have a position in full sun with exceptionally sharp drainage. It will quickly rot in heavy or wet winter soil. It is therefore perfect for a gravel garden, a sunny rockery, the top of a dry stone wall, or a container like an alpine trough where you have full control over the compost.

How to Plant:

Plant pot-grown specimens in spring or summer. Dig a hole the same size as the pot and incorporate a generous amount of horticultural grit into the surrounding soil to improve drainage. Gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole, ensuring the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with the gritty soil mix, firm gently, and water once to settle. If your soil is heavy, consider planting on a slope or mound.

Aftercare:

Once established, this plant is extremely drought-tolerant and should not be overwatered. There is no need to feed it, as it thrives in poor soil. It is very hardy against cold but its main enemy is winter wet, so good drainage is the key to its survival. The plant will die back to a small crown in winter before bursting back into life in late spring. There is no need to deadhead the flowers.