Plant creeping shrubby ice plant for a no-fuss mat of evergreen (sometimes shimmering) foliage and fuchsia flowers.
Creeping shrubby ice plant is a member of the Aizoaceae family, a huge grouping of mostlylow-lying groundcovers.
It is only hardy in zones 6-10.
Credit: Helen Norman
Plant creeping shrubby ice plants with otherlow-water perennials and xeric plantsfor a garden that shines during extended dry periods.
Its creeping, mat-like growth habit also discourages weeds while its fuchsia-pink blooms invite pollinators.
If planting more than one shrubby ice plant, place them 12 to 15 inches apart.
Credit: Helen Norman
Immediately after planting, water well.
Mature shrubby ice plants can tolerate months of drought.
Light
Creeping shrubby ice plant tolerates part shade but grows and blooms best infull sun.
Soil and Water
Plant creeping shrubby ice plant inwell-drained soil.
The long-lived, ground-hugging plant also grows well insandy or gravely soil.
However, the perennial is prone to root rot inheavy clay soils.
Water your new shrubby ice plants well after planting.
Continue watering them every 1 to 2 weeks during the first growing season.
This will encourage a strong root system.
Credit: Helen Norman
Cease watering after the first growing season.
Temperature and Humidity
Creeping shrubby ice plants are native to South Africa and hardy in zones 6-10.
They prefer dry to average humidity and mild to subtropical climates.
Credit: Jerry Pavia
The low-growing succulents can survive temperatures as low as 10 Fahrenheit.
However, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40 may damage the plant.
Fertilizer
Most creeping shrubby ice plants need no fertilization.
Creeping shrubby ice plant has only a 5-year lifespan and shouldnt need to be repotted.
If, however, it outgrows its container, you could divide the plant in the spring.
Replant each section in a new container.
Overwintering
In colder climatesespecially those with cold, wet weathercreeping shrubby ice plants may need protection.
Pests and Problems
Most pestsincluding deer and rabbitsleave creeping shrubby ice plant alone.
When sowing the seeds, simply scatter them on the soil surface.
They need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil.
Separate the plant between rooted stems.
Replant each section in a new container or spot.
To take a cutting, choose a healthy 2- to 3-inch stem or clump of the plant.
Allow your cutting to air-dry for several days until it forms a callus.
When youre ready, plant the callused end of the cutting in sand or asucculent mix.
Water just enough to dampen the soil and place the container in a sunny spot.
Your cutting should start forming roots in 2 to 3 weeks.
Place container-grown false cypress trees on either side of an entry door as natural columns.
Or, grow dwarf cultivars in a rock garden alongsidecreeping juniperandblue fescue.
Just confirm you plant your shrubby ice plant on the sunny side of your false cypress trees.
Plant your manzanita in well-drained,acidic soil(4.0 to 7.0 pH) with no amendments.
Like shrubby ice plants, manzanitas are drought tolerant and need little (if any) water once established.
There are over 100 species of manzanitasfromlow-growing groundcoversto towering 20-foot-tall plantsto choose from.
So, if the climate is right, there is likely a great cultivar for your landscape.
As long as it has ample sun and dry to moist soil, potentilla is a snap to grow.
Wherever you put it, the North American native offers compact, bushy foliage and cheeryanemone-like flowers.
Plant rose of Sharon in a mixed shrub border or use it as an easy-to-grow foundation planting.
Sedum
Sedumsare remarkably popular low-maintenance plantsespecially in hot, arid climates.
They do best in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
There aretwo main types of sedums: creeping and upright.
They are also both mat-forming succulent groundcovers that flourish in well-drained soil and full sun.
They are, however, different plantseach with its own genus.
Comparatively, shrubby ice plant has a slightly more compact habit.
For this reason, it is often referred to as congested ice plant.
Also,Ruschia pulvinarisblooms earlier thanDelosperma cooperi(which blooms from midsummer to fall).
Plant them together to have bright magenta flowers for nearly 6 months.
No.Ruschia pulvinarisis a vigorous evergreen groundcover but it doesnt tolerate foot traffic well.
For pavers or walkways,look for something sturdierlikesedumor creeping Jenny.
No,Ruschia pulvinarisis not considered toxic to pets or humans.
