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Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Rose
Delosperma cooperi 'Jewel of Desert Rosequartz'
Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Rose' delivers vivid rose-pink blooms with golden centers and evergreen foliage, offering exceptional drought tolerance and long-lasting color. Ideal for rock gardens, borders, containers, and sunny slopes, this low-growing ice plant creates vibrant, pollinator-friendly groundcover in dry, well-drained landscapes.
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Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert' Rose
Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Rose' is a striking, drought-tolerant groundcover that delivers non-stop color and texture to sunny landscapes. This vibrant ice plant features brilliant, rose-pink daisy-like flowers with golden-yellow centers that bloom profusely from late spring through fall. Unlike many perennials that flower for only a few weeks, 'Jewel of the Desert Rose' offers an exceptionally long bloom period, creating a carpet of color that lasts for months. Its succulent, evergreen foliage forms a dense, low-growing mat—typically reaching just 2 to 4 inches in height—making it perfect for filling gaps in rock gardens, borders, and dry slopes.
Engineered for performance in tough conditions, Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Rose thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, where it shows outstanding resistance to heat, drought, and deer. This hardy perennial is ideal for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes, where it spreads gradually to form a colorful, weed-suppressing groundcover. The vibrant blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity while adding bold color to water-wise garden designs. It is also an excellent choice for erosion control, as its spreading habit helps stabilize soil on hillsides or embankments.
Whether planted along pathways, tucked into container gardens, or allowed to cascade over stone walls, Jewel of the Desert Rose Delosperma is a low-maintenance showstopper that delivers lasting visual impact with minimal care. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest in mild climates, and its compact size makes it easy to incorporate into even the smallest garden spaces. With its vivid pink petals, extended bloom time, and tough-as-nails performance, this Delosperma is a must-have for gardeners seeking reliable color in hot, dry environments.
| 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: | Lilac and white |
| Flowering Season: | Late spring to early fall |
| Foliage: | Green succulent |
| Soil Condition: | Sandy soil, average soil, well-drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Drought tolerant |
| Uses: | Attracts pollinators; deer resistant |
How to Care for Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Rose
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Jewel of the Desert Rose Delosperma plant for years to come!
How do I plant Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Rose Ice Plant?
To plant your Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Rose' Ice Plant, choose a location that receives full sun for at least 6 hours a day, as this sun-loving succulent thrives in bright, dry environments. Begin by preparing well-drained soil—sandy or gravelly soil types are ideal to prevent root rot, which ice plants are particularly susceptible to. Dig a shallow hole just large enough to accommodate the root ball, and position the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill with native soil or a cactus/succulent mix to enhance drainage, gently firm the soil around the roots, and water lightly after planting to settle it in. When planting Jewel of the Desert Rose Delosperma, space multiple plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for their spreading growth habit, which can reach up to 18 inches wide. This variety forms a dense, mat-like groundcover that’s perfect for rock gardens, dry borders, containers, and sunny slopes where erosion control is needed. Avoid planting in areas with poor drainage or heavy clay soils unless amended, as soggy conditions can quickly lead to root problems. Once established, this low-maintenance plant will reward you with months of brilliant pink blooms, evergreen texture, and outstanding drought resistance with very little upkeep.
How often should I water Jewel of the Desert Ice Plants?
Jewel of the Desert Ice Plants, including the vibrant 'Rose' variety, should be watered deeply but infrequently, especially during the first growing season. These drought-tolerant succulents prefer dry conditions and are highly sensitive to overwatering, which can cause root rot. Water once or twice a week during establishment, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Be sure to water at the base of the plant rather than from above to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal issues, particularly if planted in humid regions. Once established, Jewel of the Desert Ice Plants require minimal supplemental watering and thrive in hot, dry environments with little care. In most climates, rainfall alone will be sufficient, and you may only need to water during extended droughts or extreme heat. Always check the soil before watering—if it feels dry a few inches below the surface, it's time to water. By mimicking their native arid conditions and avoiding excess moisture, these low-maintenance perennials will continue to deliver brilliant blooms and evergreen texture throughout the growing season.
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How do I Fertilize My Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Rose?
To fertilize your Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Rose' Ice Plant, apply a light dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer—such as a 10-10-10 or low-nitrogen cactus mix—early in the spring as new growth begins. This initial feeding helps support vibrant flower production and healthy foliage throughout the growing season. Since this succulent is naturally adapted to lean, dry soils, avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive leaf growth and fewer blooms. Always apply fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plant, not directly onto the foliage, and water lightly after feeding to help nutrients penetrate the root zone. If your Jewel of the Desert Rose Ice Plant is grown in containers or particularly poor soil, a second light feeding in mid-summer can help sustain its long blooming period. You can also amend the soil with a small amount of compost or well-aged organic matter annually for a more natural approach. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage lush green growth at the expense of the plant’s signature vibrant blooms. With minimal but well-timed fertilization, your Delosperma will reward you with months of dazzling pink flowers, evergreen groundcover, and carefree performance in even the driest garden spaces.
How and When Should I Prune My Delosperma Jewel of the Desert Rose?
Delosperma 'Jewel of the Desert Rose' Ice Plant requires minimal pruning, but light trimming can help keep the plant tidy and encourage continued blooming. The best time to prune is in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. At this stage, use clean, sharp scissors to remove any dead, winter-damaged, or leggy stems to refresh the plant and stimulate vigorous regrowth. Light shaping may also be done throughout the growing season to maintain a compact form, especially if the plant begins to sprawl beyond its intended space in a rock garden, border, or container. Avoid heavy pruning in fall, as this can leave the plant more vulnerable to winter damage, especially in colder climates. During the bloom period, you can deadhead or lightly shear spent flowers to encourage additional blooming and keep the plant looking neat. However, Jewel of the Desert Rose Delosperma is a low-maintenance, self-cleaning plant, so even without frequent pruning, it will continue to thrive with its brilliant pink blooms and succulent foliage. With seasonal cleanup and light shaping, this ice plant will remain an attractive, drought-tolerant groundcover that delivers months of color in sun-soaked landscapes.
