Ice Plant, Baby Sun Rose
Synonym: Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, Litocarpus cordifolius, Tetracoilanthus cordifolius
Family: Aizoaceae
 White Aptenia cordifolia |
Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 11-13,17, 21-24 USDA: 9-11 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 23°F (-5°C) Heat Tolerance: Excellent, but need regular water in Phoenix in summer. Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade Origin: South Africa (eastern coastal deserts) Growth Habits: Trailing perennial to 10 inches tall (25 cm) 3 feet diameter (1.2 m), leaves up to 1 inch long and wide (2.5 cm) Watering Needs: Little water (regular water if the weather is extremely hot), good drainage. Propagation: Seeds, cuttings |
Aptenias have become one of the most planted ice-plant in Phoenix. They are very tough, look clean most of the time, and bloom from spring to fall. They grow in light shade, but bloom a lot less. They grow well on retaining walls and hanging baskets.
Aptenia 'Red Apple' (picture 3) is an hybrid commonly encountered in nurseries.
Blooming Habits:
Small purplish red flowers (occasionally white) in spring and summer.
Fruiting Habits:
References:
Dry Climate Gardening With Succulents : The Huntington Botanical Gardens
Check for Field Collection numbers at Ralph Martin's Site
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