Ice Plant 'Ice Cream Purple' (Delosperma)

Where to Plant:

This hardy ice plant is a true sun worshipper and must be given the sunniest, most well-drained position in your garden to thrive. It forms a low-growing, succulent mat that becomes covered in intense purple, daisy-like flowers. Its survival through a British winter depends entirely on having sharp drainage, as it cannot tolerate wet feet. It is therefore perfect for a gravel garden, a sunny rockery, spilling over the top of a dry stone wall, or in a shallow terracotta pot.

How to Plant:

Plant pot-grown specimens in spring or summer. The key to success is to improve the soil's drainage. Dig a hole the same size as the pot and mix a generous amount of horticultural grit or coarse sand into the surrounding soil. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of its rootball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with the gritty soil mix, firming gently, and give it one initial watering to settle it in.

Aftercare:

Once established, this plant requires minimal attention. It is extremely drought-tolerant and should not need any further watering. Do not add any fertiliser or feed, as it thrives in poor soil. The plant is hardy to cold but resents winter damp, so good drainage is the most critical part of its care. It will die back to a small, fleshy crown in winter before bursting into life again in late spring.