Family Aizoaceae
Originating from South Africa.
- Bright green, tiny succulent leaves form low, dense mats.
- Amethyst-purple daisy-like flowers bloom summer-long.
- A hardy, easy-to-grow subshrub, it thrives in free-draining, sunny soil.
The Ice Plant in Your Garden
Amethyst ice plant blooms ignite coastal UK gardens like a purple firework. Delosperma ‘Amethyst’ creates a low, succulent carpet of green leaves, crowned by profuse daisy-like flowers with amethyst-purple petals and molten yellow centres from June to September. Weaving a spectacular spread of colour at the lowest level of planting compositions, its tiny, cute foliage adds fascinating detail.
This hardy subshrub, reaching 5cm high and 30cm wide in 2–5 years, makes slowly spreading mounds. Pollinator-attracting blooms dazzle in seaside gravel gardens and rockeries, thriving in Norfolk’s coastal gardens with minimal fuss. Whilst it loves maritime climates, it flourishes in any hot, full sun garden. Whether in a south-facing terrace in Norwich or a sun-baked courtyard in Lowestoft, prepare to be dazzled.
Easy to grow in free-draining, non-acidic soil in full sun, it’s ideal for pots or ground covering amongst taller Mediterranean gardens. Hardy in southern and coastal UK gardens, cover it with fleece in central and northern locations. Low care crafts a stunning, jewel-like spectacle.
Growing Tips For Delosperma ‘Amethyst’
- Soil and Sun: Plant in free-draining, non-acidic soil; full sun is necessary.
- Planting: Set in spring. Soak the root ball by plunging before planting. Water in and then thoroughly soak occasionally during hot weather in its first season to establish roots.
- Watering: Minimal once established; tolerates drought.
- Pruning: None required, but trim faded stems or unwanted growth in autumn.
The amethyst ice plant blooms spectacularly, with subtle shades of lilac and magenta in each petal. They surround the white-hot stamens with golden pollen-covered tips, sparking an incendiary impact. Their drought tolerance, coastal hardiness, and low maintenance make them a vibrant star for rockeries or pots.
Planting Ideas for Ice Plant
Add a succulent spectacle to your spiky, silvery soirée. ‘Amethyst’s brilliant colours perfectly carpet around taller architectural plants. The compact rosette-forming crowns of yuccas and cordylines cast little shade, allowing it to shine. Yuccas linearifolia, filifera, pallida, and gloriosa ‘Variegata’ blaze with its intense colours. Cordyline ‘Torbay Dazzler’ and ‘Jive’ soar with its carpeting flourish.
With intricate detail, this Cooper’s Ice Plant variety suits pot culture, where you can view it close-up on a terrace or patio. It makes a terrific trailing specimen, whether spilling over a contemporary raised bed or a traditional terracotta planter. Plant it alongside Lotus berthelotii, Lampranthus roseus, ‘Tresco Purple’, Fuchsia procumbens, and Euonymus ‘Kewensis’ for a tumbling, cascading delight.
