This genus consists of shrubby or mat-forming herbaceous succulents from South and East Africa. They are indispensable for plantings en masse, and bear colorful, daisy-like blossoms during the growing season. They are considerably heat, drought, and frost tolerant, and prefer to be dry in winter. The foliage on some species may persist through the winter and exhibit ruby-red tints.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsSummer-long bloom and a tough constitution make the mat-forming ice plant a perfect groundcover.
CareGrow in sharply drained soil in full sun; prefers a sheltered site.
PropagationTake stem cuttings in spring or summer; sow seed at 70°F.
ProblemsMealybugs, aphids.