Hardy Ice Plant

Delosperma cooperi

Delosperma cooperi in May 2013 on 20% ETo. Photo: SK Reid.

Summary

As a flowering groundcover, this iceplant was fairly fast spreading and sturdy in the trials field.  It showed some sensitivity to hard frost, turning purple and dying back in some cases.  The best overall appearance was achieved at the lowest irrigation rate, though, as the summer wore on, the best flowering was maintained at the highest water.  There was still acceptable flowering on the lower levels, however, and the spring flowering was not affected, so the lowest irrigation rate is recommended.  Issues with this species in the field besides freezing included occasional damage by turkeys that dug around in a few plants, breaking off stems and creating holes.  This caused some inconsistencies in the measurements, but overall there was little difference in growth between treatments and the differences are not clearly attributable to the irrigation.

Features appreciated by the master gardeners were the long bloom time, and the relatively low maintenance.  However, all gardens noted the unattractive appearance that follows heavy blooming when a large number of dead flower heads are still on the plant.  Some of this is overcome later by new growth and blooming, but overall it was not rated very highly.  Where the soil was heavy, as would be expected, it did not perform well at all.  In San Joaquin County it was also prone to rabbit browsing.  Only the gardens in El Cajon and Livermore recommended it.

Growth and Quality Data

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Delosperma cooperi in September 2013 on 20% ETo. Photo: SK Reid.