Also known as Ice Plant · 983 saves
Delosperma
Delosperma, the genus most gardeners know as ice plant. We track 19 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 19 most-saved Delosperma varieties
3 species of Delosperma
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Delosperma in Sow
Save the Delosperma you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Delosperma
Whats common across all Delosperma varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 19 most-grown of them.
The Delosperma year
- PlantApril–June89% of varieties
Plant in well-draining soil after the last hard frost.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April58% of varieties
Remove any dead or damaged foliage from winter.
- MulchApril and May47% of varieties
Apply gravel or grit mulch to ensure excellent drainage around the crown.
- PruneMarch and April47% of varieties
Lightly trim back scraggly growth or winter damage in late winter.
- DivideApril and October32% of varieties
Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.
- Winter PrepNovember32% of varieties
Ensure soil is exceptionally well-drained to prevent winter rot.
Do
- Provide full sun for vibrant blooms
- Water sparingly during dry months 🌱
- Use well-draining soil to prevent overwatering
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Use well-draining soil to prevent rot
Avoid
- Plant in heavy clay soil without amendments ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendment
- Expose to excessive shade ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Delosperma
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | Sticky white residue on leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage and stippled, dull leaves. | Spray with mild insecticidal soap and improve ventilation. |
| Aphids and Mealybugs | Distorted growth, sticky residue (aphids); white cottony masses in leaf axils (mealybugs). | Use a strong water spray for aphids. Dab mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Apply insecticidal soap for heavier infestations. |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and ensure good air circulation |
| Root Rot | Mushy, brown or black stems and roots; plant decline and collapse. | Prevention is the only cure. Ensure extremely sharp drainage. Reduce watering. Remove and discard infected plants. |
Making more Delosperma
Cuttings
- Select healthy stems in late spring
- Cut 3-inch sections with clean scissors
- Allow cuttings to callus for 2 days
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Water lightly and keep in full sun
- Roots develop in 4-6 weeks
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into soil in spring
- Lightly water to keep moist
- Maintain warm temperature for germination
- Seeds sprout in 2-4 weeks
Delosperma questions
How many types of Delosperma are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 19 distinct Delosperma varieties. The most popular — ranked by 983 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Delosperma grow in?
Across its varieties, Delosperma covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Delosperma bloom?
Most Delosperma varieties bloom in late spring to mid-summer, late spring to summer, late spring to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Delosperma should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.