Hardy iceplant is a tough little plant as long as it doesn’t get too much water. The succulent leaves form a dense low growing mat and appear to have tiny ice crystals on them, hence the name. In spring, intense purple-pink daisy-like flowers begin to bloom and by summer when the temperature heats up they almost cover the mat of foliage. The flowers like their beauty sleep, however, and close in the early evening so I have to remember to go out by afternoon if I want to take their picture. Iceplant never seems to be a thug but spreads steadily. It tolerates most soils as long as they are not wet and requires little maintenance. I use it at the front of the border in my formal garden but it would look great in a rock garden, as an edger or ground cover, or in container where it could drape over the edge.
Type: Herbaceous perennial.
Bloom: One inch wide bright purple-pink flowers all summer into fall.
Size: 3” H x 24” W
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Average, well drained; must have dry soil in winter; tolerates some drought. .
Hardiness: Zones 6-12
Pests and Diseases: None of importance; aphids and mealybugs can be a problem.
Propagation: Division, cuttings.
Companion plants: Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’), lamb’s ear, white cranesbill, and moss rose (portulaca).
Karen Meyers