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Delosperma Cooperi
Delosperma cooperi
Delosperma cooperi, also known as Hardy Ice Plant, offers vivid magenta-pink blooms, evergreen succulent foliage, and exceptional drought tolerance for hot, dry gardens. Ideal for rock gardens, borders, groundcovers, and erosion control on sunny slopes, it delivers long-lasting color and pollinator appeal with minimal maintenance.
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Delosperma cooperi, commonly known as Hardy Ice Plant, is a vigorous, drought-tolerant groundcover prized for its brilliant magenta-pink blooms and succulent green foliage. This long-blooming perennial thrives in hot, sunny locations and delivers a stunning floral display from late spring through early fall. Each daisy-like flower opens wide in full sun, forming a carpet of color that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Growing just 2 to 4 inches tall and spreading up to 18 inches wide, Delosperma cooperi is ideal for covering bare ground, filling in rock gardens, or trailing over the edges of walls and containers.
Exceptionally hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10, Delosperma cooperi performs best in full sun and well-drained soil—especially sandy or gravelly types where many other plants struggle. It is incredibly drought tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering and thriving in xeriscaping projects and water-wise gardens. The plant’s succulent foliage stores moisture efficiently, enabling it to endure extended dry spells without losing its lush appearance. Its evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage adds year-round interest in mild climates, even when blooms are not present.
Perfect for slopes, borders, curbside strips, and containers, Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi) offers a vivid burst of color with minimal care. Its deer resistance, erosion control qualities, and vibrant, pollinator-friendly flowers make it a valuable asset to any sunny garden. Whether used alone as a colorful groundcover or paired with other drought-resistant plants, Delosperma cooperi brings vibrant charm and practical performance to even the most challenging landscapes.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 2 to 4 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 15 to 18 Inches |
| Classification: | Perennial |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun |
| Habit: | Ground Cover |
| Flower Color: | Pink |
| Flowering Season: | Late Spring to Summer |
| Foliage: | Green succulent |
| Soil Condition: | Sandy Soil, Average Soil, Well-Drained Soil |
| Water Requirements: | Drought Tolerant |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, mass planting. Attracts pollinators. |
How to Care for Delosperma Cooperi
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Delosperma cooperi plant for years to come!
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How do I Plant My Delosperma cooperi Hardy Ice Plant?
To plant your Delosperma cooperi Hardy Ice Plant, choose a location that receives full sun and has excellent drainage—this sun-loving succulent thrives in hot, dry environments and does not tolerate wet or soggy soil. Begin by loosening the soil and amending it with sand or small gravel if necessary to enhance drainage, especially if you're working with clay-heavy or compacted soil. Dig a shallow hole just large enough to accommodate the plant’s root ball, and position it so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, pressing the soil in lightly around the base, and water just enough to help the roots settle in place. When planting Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi), space multiple plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for their natural spreading habit. This low-growing groundcover is ideal for rock gardens, borders, retaining wall edges, and sunny slopes where erosion control is needed. Avoid using mulch that retains moisture; instead, opt for a thin layer of gravel or small stones around the base to support drainage and prevent fungal issues. Once established, Delosperma cooperi requires minimal care and delivers a brilliant carpet of magenta blooms from late spring through fall—making it a standout choice for low-maintenance, high-impact planting schemes.
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How do I Water my Delosperma cooperi?
To water your Delosperma cooperi Hardy Ice Plant, provide deep but infrequent watering, especially during the first growing season as the plant establishes its roots. This drought-tolerant succulent prefers dry, well-drained conditions and can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and water only at the base of the plant to avoid soaking the foliage. During periods of hot, dry weather, a weekly watering may be necessary, but always check the soil moisture first to avoid excess. Once established, Delosperma cooperi thrives with very little supplemental watering, making it a perfect choice for xeriscaping and water-wise landscapes. In regions with regular rainfall, you may not need to water at all, especially during cooler seasons. Overwatering is the most common cause of decline in ice plants, so err on the side of less rather than more. With proper watering techniques and well-drained soil, your Delosperma cooperi will flourish, producing masses of vibrant magenta flowers and maintaining its succulent green foliage with minimal effort.
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How do I Fertilize my Delosperma cooperi?
To fertilize your Delosperma cooperi Hardy Ice Plant, apply a light dose of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer—such as a 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 formula—in early spring as new growth begins. This initial feeding helps support vigorous flowering and healthy foliage throughout the growing season. Since Delosperma is adapted to poor, rocky soils, it requires only minimal fertilization; overfeeding can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced bloom production. Always apply fertilizer at the base of the plant, and water lightly afterward to help the nutrients reach the root zone. If you're growing Delosperma cooperi in very lean or sandy soil, or in containers where nutrients leach quickly, a second light application in mid-summer can help maintain flower performance. You can also incorporate organic compost or worm castings around the base to enhance soil structure and gently boost fertility. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can overstimulate foliage at the expense of flowers. With just a bit of well-timed feeding, this low-maintenance, drought-tolerant succulent will reward you with a long-lasting display of vivid magenta blooms and lush, evergreen groundcover all season long.
How and when do I Prune My Delosperma cooperi?
Delosperma cooperi, commonly known as Hardy Ice Plant, requires minimal pruning, but occasional trimming can help maintain a neat appearance and encourage healthier, more vigorous growth. The best time to prune is in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. At this time, remove any winter-damaged, dead, or dried stems to allow sunlight and air circulation to reach healthy foliage. Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears and trim back lightly to shape the plant and promote a fuller, more compact form—especially helpful if the plant has become leggy or overgrown. You can also lightly deadhead or shear spent blooms throughout the growing season to encourage continued flowering, although Delosperma cooperi is mostly self-cleaning. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as this may leave the plant vulnerable to cold damage over winter. In colder climates, it’s best to leave the foliage intact through the winter months for extra protection and prune it back in spring. With proper seasonal pruning and well-drained, sunny growing conditions, Hardy Ice Plant will continue to spread gracefully and produce masses of vibrant magenta flowers from spring through fall.
