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Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Garnet
Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert'
Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Garnet' offers brilliant red, daisy-like blooms and evergreen succulent foliage, making it a vibrant, low-maintenance groundcover. Ideal for rock gardens, borders, containers, and sunny slopes, this drought-tolerant ice plant adds long-lasting color and pollinator appeal to water-wise landscapes.
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Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Garnet
Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Garnet' is a vibrant, low-growing succulent groundcover prized for its intense red blooms and exceptional drought tolerance. This eye-catching ice plant features daisy-like flowers with deep garnet-red petals and bright golden centers that burst into bloom from late spring through fall. Its long flowering period and vivid color make it a standout in any sun-soaked landscape, while its evergreen foliage provides year-round texture and visual appeal in warmer climates. Reaching just 2 to 4 inches tall and spreading up to 18 inches wide, it’s perfect for filling in spaces between stepping stones, spilling over rock walls, or adding color to gravel beds and containers.
Designed for high performance in tough conditions, Jewel of the Desert Garnet thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, especially sandy or rocky areas where water is limited. Its succulent foliage retains moisture, allowing it to endure extended dry periods with ease, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and other low-water-use landscapes. This Delosperma variety also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies with its rich blooms, while remaining deer resistant and low-maintenance—perfect for busy gardeners or those looking to support local wildlife with minimal effort.
Whether used as a bold groundcover, a container accent, or a solution for erosion control on sunny slopes, Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Garnet delivers reliable, long-lasting beauty. Its striking red flowers offer a vivid contrast to gravel, stone, or green companions, and its rugged nature ensures it thrives with minimal care. For gardeners seeking a colorful, easy-care plant that performs well in hot, dry climates, Jewel of the Desert Garnet offers the perfect blend of form, function, and flare.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-10 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 4 to 6 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 18 to 24 Inches |
| Classification: | Perennial |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun |
| Habit: | Ground Cover |
| Flower Color: | Red and Yellow |
| Flowering Season: | Summer to Fall |
| 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 Jewel of the Desert Garnet
After purchasing your Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Garnet, read these planting instructions to ensure your plant is happy and healthy.
How do I plant Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Garnet?
To plant your Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Garnet', choose a location that receives full sun and has excellent drainage, as this succulent thrives in dry, well-lit conditions. Start by loosening the soil and mixing in sand or small gravel if necessary to improve drainage—this is especially important in clay-heavy soils. Dig a hole just large enough to fit the root ball, and place the plant so the crown is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firm the soil around the roots, and water lightly to help the plant settle in. Avoid overwatering during the establishment period, as Delosperma is sensitive to soggy conditions. When planting Jewel of the Desert Garnet, space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for their natural spreading habit and ensure proper air circulation. This compact groundcover grows just 2 to 4 inches tall and can spread up to 18 inches wide, making it ideal for filling gaps in rock gardens, edging sunny walkways, or cascading over retaining walls and containers. Avoid using moisture-retaining mulches; instead, opt for gravel or small rocks that support drainage and add a clean, finished look. With the right planting site and minimal care, this vibrant Delosperma will provide months of dazzling red blooms and evergreen texture in water-wise, sun-drenched landscapes.
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How do I water Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Garnet?
To water your Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Garnet', use a deep but infrequent watering schedule, especially during the first growing season. This drought-tolerant succulent thrives in dry, well-drained soil and is highly susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and always water at the base of the plant to prevent moisture from sitting on the leaves and promoting fungal disease. In general, a weekly watering is sufficient during periods of extreme heat, but rainfall is often enough once the plant is established. After the first season, Jewel of the Desert Garnet Delosperma requires very little supplemental water, making it perfect for xeriscaping and low-maintenance garden beds. In cooler seasons or high-rainfall areas, you may not need to water at all. Monitor the soil moisture by checking a few inches below the surface; if it's dry, it's time to water. Overwatering is the most common issue with ice plants, so err on the side of caution. With proper watering practices and excellent drainage, your Delosperma will flourish, producing months of bright red blooms and resilient evergreen foliage.
How should I fertilize Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Garnet Plants?
To fertilize your Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Garnet' plants, apply a light dose of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer—such as a 10-10-10 or a low-nitrogen cactus blend—in early spring as new growth begins. Because this ice plant thrives in nutrient-poor, well-drained soils, it requires only minimal feeding to produce its signature bright red blooms. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering, so it's best to feed sparingly. Sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the foliage, and water lightly to help the nutrients penetrate the soil. For Jewel of the Desert Garnet grown in containers or very sandy soil, a second light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain bloom production through the heat of the season. You can also enrich the soil naturally by incorporating a small amount of compost or worm castings at the base of the plant in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they may encourage leggy growth and reduce the plant's compact form. With minimal but well-timed fertilization, this Delosperma variety will continue to deliver brilliant blooms and evergreen groundcover throughout the growing season in sunny, dry landscapes.
How and When Should I Prune My Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Garnet Plants?
Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Garnet' plants require minimal pruning, but light trimming helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourage healthy growth. The best time to prune is in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. At this time, remove any dead, damaged, or winter-burned foliage to make room for fresh growth and improve airflow. Use clean, sharp shears to lightly trim back leggy stems or overly spread-out growth to help the plant maintain its compact, ground-hugging form. Pruning also helps prevent overcrowding, which can reduce blooming and lead to fungal issues in humid environments. Throughout the blooming season, you can also lightly deadhead or shear back spent flowers to encourage more continuous blooming, although Jewel of the Desert Garnet is largely self-cleaning. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as this may expose the plant to winter damage, especially in colder zones. In mild climates, its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, and minimal pruning keeps it looking vibrant. With seasonal cleanup and light maintenance, this low-growing, drought-tolerant succulent will reward you with a dense carpet of bright red blooms from spring through fall, perfect for rock gardens, borders, and sun-soaked slopes.
