groundcover

Trailing Ice Plant

The Story

Plant Bio

Delosperma obtusum, commonly known as Ice Plant, is a low-growing succulent with fleshy, evergreen leaves and vibrant, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or orange that bloom profusely in summer.

This species is highly drought-tolerant and excels as ground cover, with its succulent foliage providing excellent resilience in poor, sandy soils and full sun conditions.

Uses & Benefits:

Vibrant purple flowers and succulent foliage add color and texture to sunny gardens.

Requires minimal watering and maintenance, ideal for xeriscaping.

Provides habitat for beneficial insects and stabilizes soil.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

4 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South Africa

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil in spring.
Water lightly until established, avoiding overwatering.
Place in full sun for best flowering results.
Fertilize sparingly with cactus or succulent fertilizer in spring.
Mulch lightly to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Monitor for pests and remove any dead or damaged stems.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and encourage healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly during drought conditions 🌱
Provide plenty of sunlight for vibrant blooms
Use well-draining soil to prevent overwatering
Prune after flowering to maintain shape

Don't

Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendments
Do not fertilize excessively, as it can reduce flowering
Avoid shaded areas that limit sun exposure

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silver-foliaged groundcover for sunny bordersVanilla-scented edging in xeriscapesColorful rock garden accent

Companion Plants

Aloe Vera Sedum Echeveria AgaveLavender

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Trailing Ice Plant questions

What zones can Trailing Ice Plant grow in?

Trailing Ice Plant is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Trailing Ice Plant deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Trailing Ice Plant, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Trailing Ice Plant bloom?

Trailing Ice Plant typically blooms in late spring to summer through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Trailing Ice Plant need full sun?

Trailing Ice Plant does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Trailing Ice Plant drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Trailing Ice Plant handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.