How to Grow Ice Plant
Wikimedia Commons
Ice Plant
Delosperma floribundum
flowerIce Plant is a low-growing succulent groundcover with vibrant magenta or pink flowers that bloom profusely in spring and summer. The fleshy, needle-like foliage is covered in crystalline cell structures that glisten like ice in sunlight, giving the plant its distinctive common name. It is drought-tolerant, frost-hardy, and ideal for rock gardens, borders, and xeriscaping.
When should you plant Ice Plant in your zone?
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Example Ice Plant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ice Plant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Ice Plant blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ice Plant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Get my Ice Plant timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-3 weeksSmall transplants with thin, needle-like foliage establishing root systems
Water lightly until roots establish (2-3 weeks); protect from excessive moisture; plant in well-draining soil to prevent rot
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksCompact mounding growth with dense foliage, plant fills out horizontally across the soil
Minimal watering needed; no fertilizer required or use very dilute solution; allow soil to dry between waterings
Budding & Flowering
6-10 weeksFlower buds form at branch tips; bright magenta or pink flowers appear and cover the plant
Maintain dry conditions; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; avoid overhead watering
Peak Flowering
4-6 weeksMaximum flower production with dense bloom coverage across the entire plant
Continue deadheading; provide full sun exposure; water only if foliage shows stress; monitor for pests
Summer Dormancy & Decline
4-8 weeks (varies by region)Flowering slows or stops in intense heat; plant may look stressed; prepares for cooler fall conditions
Reduce watering further; provide afternoon shade in hot climates (zones 8-9); prune back lightly if needed
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; improve soil aeration; remove affected plants if severe
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or horticultural oil if infestation is heavy; increase air circulation
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Remove by hand or with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil; improve drainage to reduce conditions they favor
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and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; use copper barriers; reduce watering to make conditions less favorable
Uses
Edible Garnish
CulinaryThe fleshy leaves can be used as a subtle edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding a mildly tart, crunchy texture. The plant is non-toxic and occasionally used in gourmet cuisine for visual appeal. [source]
Groundcover & Landscaping
HouseholdExcellent for rock gardens, alpine troughs, border edging, and xeriscaping due to its low maintenance and drought tolerance. Its dense mat-forming habit suppresses weeds and requires minimal pruning or maintenance. [source]
Fresh & Dried Arrangements
CraftThe bright magenta flowers are excellent for fresh or dried floral arrangements and add vibrant color to bouquets. Succulent foliage retains its appearance well when dried. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeBright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable for supporting insect populations in gardens. Blooms prolifically during spring and early summer when pollinators are most active. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn some African and Mediterranean traditions, Delosperma species have been used in folk remedies, though modern scientific evidence is limited. The succulent leaves may have mild antimicrobial properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Deadhead spent flowers by pinching off spent blooms to encourage additional flower production throughout the season. In late fall, cut back leggy or overgrown plants by one-third to maintain compact, bushy shape. No traditional 'harvest' as this is an ornamental; cut sprigs for fresh arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The distinctive 'ice' appearance comes from epidermal bladder cells (conical cells) that cover the foliage and reflect light, creating a crystalline, frost-covered look even in warm weather.
- 🌱 Delosperma floribundum is native to South Africa and is exceptionally cold-hardy for a succulent, surviving winter temperatures to zone 5 where many tender succulents cannot.
- 🌱 The name 'Delosperma' comes from Greek words meaning 'visible seed' (delos = visible, sperma = seed), referring to the prominent seeds visible in the fruit.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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