Ice plants need a site with excellent drainage and will suffer or die in wet, heavy soil. They relish full sun and dry conditions, just like succulents you might grow in pots. Hardiness varies with species, but many are cold-hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 10. Sandy or shallow rocky and gravelly soil is perfect, and neutral soil pH is ideal.

Each plant will normally spread 1 to 2 feet, so map out how many you’ll need for an area if you plan on using them as ground cover, and purchase a few extra to fill in bare spots caused by casualties. For best coverage, space them about 15 to 18 inches apart. They can often be bought by the flat for a reduced price per plant when many are needed for large areas.

Ice plants in containers can be used as spiller plants, cascading over the edge of terra-cotta pots. Choose companion dry-loving plants like lavenders or succulents. Drainage is critical to happy, blooming ice plants, especially in containers.

When to Plant Ice Plants

In cooler regions, plant ice plants outdoors in late spring to early summer. In hot climates, try a fall planting to establish them before the next heat cycle.

How to Plant Ice Plants

Ice plants are often purchased as small 4-inch pots or smaller plugs from a garden center or nursery. Transplanting them is easy and fast.

Water the plugs or pots of ice plants before you transplant them. This reduces plant stress. It will also help them come free from the pot more easily.
Remove all grasses and weeds from the planting area, and loosen the soil at least 6 inches deep with a garden fork.
Gently remove the ice plants from their containers. If you plan to plant ground cover, set them out and adjust the spacing before planting to avoid an empty spot. They should be about 15 to 18 inches apart.
Use a hand trowel and dig small holes, as deep as the plugs or pots and a bit wider.
Set the ice plants in the holes, check the depth, and refill the holes, firming the soil around the roots.
Once all the ice plants are planted, grab the hose and sprinkler and give them a good soaking.

Types

‘Alan’s Apricot’ Ice Plant (Delosperma hybrid) shows off delicately apricot-colored blooms on 2-inch-tall plants. It tolerates colder temperatures and may survive in USDA Zone 5.
Cooper’s Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi) is a magenta-blooming standout with bright golden centers. An excellent mat-forming ground cover that reaches about 3 to 6 inches high.
‘Fire Spinner’ Ice Plant (Delosperma hybrid) has pink, red, and orange rings on each of many blooms. A stunner in mass plantings, it is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9.
Orange Ice Plant (Lampranthus aurantiacus) can be a giant for ice plants, reaching over 1 foot tall and spreading as much as 4 to 5 feet. Bright orange flowers are more upright than other ice plants, and they are hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11.

orange-flowering ice plants in the garden — Orange ice plant in the garden, *Lampranthus aurantiacus*. Credit: Rkyomar

Flowers

About The Author

Andy Wilcox

Master Gardener and Gardening Contributor

Andy Wilcox is a freelance writer, flower farmer, and master gardener with over 25 years of experience in gardening, horticulture, and forestry. He is the co-owner of Stone’s Throw Flowers, a business...