Ice plant (Delosperma cooperi ‘Jewel of Desert Peridot’)

Features and Characteristics

Delosperma cooperi, commonly called ice plant, is native to South Africa. It typically forms a vigorous, succulent, spreading, evergreen ground cover in warm winter areas of the United States. However, north of USDA Zones 7 (which includes the entire St. Louis area), it is at best semi-evergreen and is not reliably winter hardy. This is a succulent mat-forming plant that typically grows to 3” tall and spreads quickly to 24” or more. Daisy-like, bright red-purple flowers (to 2” diameter) cover the plant with bloom from June to September. The neon-like intensity of the flower color and length of bloom greatly enhance the ornamental interest of these plants. Succulent, fleshy, cylindrical, medium green leaves.

Genus name comes from the Greek words delos, meaning “evident” and sperma, meaning “seed” in reference to the exposed seeds.

Specific epithet honors English gardener Thomas Cooper (1815-191- who collected plants in South Africa from 1859-186

Foliage is covered with transparent flakes that somewhat resemble tiny pieces of ice, hence the common name.

‘Jewel of Desert Peridot’ is a compact, mat-forming ice plant selection with a high heat tolerance and long flowering period. A profusion of lemon yellow blooms with white centers (2″ in diameter) appear from early summer into the fall above the small, evergreen foliage. Plants grow 4-6″ tall and will spread quickly in ideal growing conditions to fill a 12″ area. This plant is protected by patent number PP2356