Delosperma Jewel of Desert Peridot

Description

Delosperma ‘Jewel of Desert Peridot’ – hardy ice plant

Botanical name: Delosperma ‘Jewel of Desert Peridot’
Common names: Ice plant, hardy ice plant
Family: Aizoaceae
Plant type: Evergreen succulent perennial
Habit: Low, spreading, mat-forming
Pot size: 1 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 8–10cm tall × 40–50cm spread
Foliage: Fleshy, cylindrical green succulent leaves; evergreen in mild areas
Flowers: Shimmering daisy-like flowers in cream and soft yellow, summer to early autumn (June–September)
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Very free-draining, gritty or sandy; poor to average fertility; neutral to slightly alkaline
Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy, to about −10°C) in sharply drained soil; USDA zones 6–9
Exposure: Sheltered, hot, dry positions
Native range: Species native to South Africa
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Delosperma ‘Jewel of Desert Peridot’ is a drought-tolerant ice plant forming a low, succulent carpet studded through summer with shimmering, daisy-like flowers in cream and soft yellow. It thrives in hot, sunny, sharply drained spots and is perfect for rockeries, gravel gardens and sunny banks.

GardenAdvice notes

A low, mat-forming evergreen succulent from the daisy-flowered family Aizoaceae, this ice plant stores water in its fleshy leaves, making it exceptionally drought-tolerant once established. It is grown for its long summer display of glistening flowers, which open in sunshine, and for its ability to thrive in hot, poor, dry positions where many plants struggle.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring in a hot, sunny spot with very sharp drainage — gritty, sandy or gravelly soil is ideal, and adding horticultural grit to heavier ground is essential. It resents winter wet more than winter cold, so a raised bed, rockery or gravel garden suits it well. Space about 40cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Almost no maintenance once established. Water sparingly while young, then only in prolonged drought. Avoid feeding, which encourages soft growth, and keep the crown dry over winter. A gravel mulch around the base helps keep moisture away from the stems.

Propagation

• Cuttings: Take short stem cuttings in summer; they root readily in gritty compost.
• Division: Lift and divide established mats in spring, replanting into free-draining soil.
• Seed: Sow in spring in a gritty, free-draining mix in warmth.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. The main risk is rot caused by winter wet or overwatering, so drainage is everything. Aphids and mealybug occasionally appear. Sharp drainage and a dry crown in winter prevent most problems.

Uses in the garden

Ideal for sunny rockeries, gravel and Mediterranean-style gardens, dry stone walls, the tops of raised beds and hot, well-drained banks, as well as sunny containers and troughs.

Wildlife value

The nectar-rich summer flowers are attractive to bees, hoverflies and other pollinating insects.

Toxicity & safety

Ice plants are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

The single most important thing with ice plants is drainage — they shrug off cold but rot in soggy soil, so plant on a slope, in a raised bed or in a gravelly mix, and keep the crown dry over winter. In very wet or cold gardens, a pane of glass or cloche over the plant in winter can make all the difference to survival.

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