Common name: hardy ice-plant

Size, form, texture: succulent plants, low growing, matt forming 3-6 in tall, spreading 2 or more ft wide.

Hardiness, origin, native ecology: many species in this family have crystalline papillae on leaves, refract light giving frosted appearance. Succulents leaves are filled with moisture making them able to tolerate long periods of drought. Spread by seed and stoliniferously (one clump spreading to larger patches). Need to be in very well drained soil, can’t tolerate any shade, but can hold its own with other succulents. Won’t compete with grasses, best in full sun.

Bud, foliage, flower and fruit characteristics: flowers in june, will flower sporadically through the summer, single flower radiating from centre, in bright pink, receptacles become fleshy producing the fruit.

Cultural and maintenance requirements and appropriate uses in the landscape: Good as ground cover, in rock gardens or aerospace gardens as once established requires very little water, can be used for erosion control and tolerates coastal exposure. Hardy attractive succulent.