Cacti and Succulents: Delosperma cooperi

description for "Cacti and Succulents: Delosperma cooperi"

This plant has become a staple in xeric gardens. Delosperma cooperi has a prostate habit with leaves that are about 2-3 inches (5-6 cm) long by ¼ inch (0.6 cm) wide, nearly cylindrical but flattened on the top. It is a perennial evergreen succulent from the Orange Free State of South Africa. This is a great succulent groundcover for rock gardens or for slopes, valued for its shimmering fuchsia purple flowers that keep coming all summer. A vigorous spreader, it forms a dense mat of succulent, linear green leaves, in any well-drained soil. It takes heat well and needs very little water to keep looking good. They are hardy from USDA zones 5-11. Requires excellent drainage. Full sun produces best growth and flowering results. Plant is drought tolerant once established. Spring fertilization is recommended. Low maintenance plant that requires very little pruning. Stop watering in midfall to harden for winter. Because this plant needs longer periods of warm weather to establish its roots properly, it is not recommended for fall planting in Zones 3-6. This xeric plant is best adapted to and will thrive in the more arid climates of the Western U.S. --edited by dtd siegelgirl