Overview
Delosperma is a matforming succulent in the genus Delosperma, part of the Aizoaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Delosperma grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, rock garden, mediterranean climate plants, coastal, gravel garden, low maintenance, banks and slopes and ground cover. It is native to Botswana, Cape Provinces, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Free State, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Northern Provinces, Réunion, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
About
Delosperma is a mat-forming succulent with evergreen leaves that produces flowers from June to September. It prefers full sun and sharply drained soils such as loam or sand. Best placed in a sheltered, south- or west-facing position, it carries an H4 (average) UK hardiness rating. Use it where a spreading ground cover or container succulent is needed.
About the genus
Delosperma is a genus of around 170 species of succulent plants, formerly included in Mesembryanthemum in the family Aizoaceae. It was defined by English botanist N. E.
Wikipedia contributors, "Delosperma", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Delosperma
In the garden
Delosperma is a mat-forming succulent native to parts of southern and eastern Africa, several Indian Ocean islands and the Arabian peninsula. Its evergreen habit and summer flowering mean it provides a low-growing carpet of blooms in suitable seasons. The genus is well adapted to open, dry sites in its native range and translates to similar conditions in the UK. Give Delosperma full sun in a sheltered south- or west-facing spot and ensure the soil is sharply drained; loam or sandy substrates suit it best. It tolerates a wide soil pH range (acid to alkaline) so soil chemistry is rarely a limiting factor, but standing wet must be avoided. In containers use a free-draining mix with added grit or sharp sand to keep the root zone dry between waterings. The H4 hardiness rating means it will cope with average UK winters but avoid exposed, wind-swept sites. Plant it on gravel banks, in rock gardens, on slopes or as a ground cover between paving, and it also performs well in pots on patios. Coastal situations are appropriate where drainage and shelter are available. Expect flowering from June to September, and allow the plants room to spread so they form an even mat over the chosen planting area.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Delosperma
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Delosperma size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Succulent
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Coastal, Gravel garden, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Ground cover
- Native to
- Botswana, Cape Provinces, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Free State, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Northern Provinces, Réunion, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Yemen, Zimbabwe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Delosperma
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Delosperma?
Delosperma prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Delosperma need?
Delosperma grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Delosperma hardy in the UK?
Delosperma has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Delosperma?
Stem cuttings.
More in the Delosperma genus
- Delosperma A
- Delosperma cooperi Ice Cream Yellow ('Delolemo12') (Ice Cream Series)Trailing Iceplant
- Delosperma Sundella Neon (Sundella Series)
- Delosperma Suntropics Cream (Suntropics Series)