Garden Ice Plants

• Ice plant flowers can form a dense mat.Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  The ice plant family (Aizoaceae) boasts nearly 2,000 species of flowering plants. Also known as stone plants or carpet weeds, ice plants are characterized by their fleshy leaves and fuzzy, often brightly colored flowers. Gardeners interested in cultivating ice plants in the garden have a range of species from which to choose.
  
  

Delosperma Cooperi

• Delosperma cooperi is a type of ice plant that grows to be about 6 inches tall with a spread of 1 to 3 feet. The plant produces succulent leaves topped with 2-inch magenta flowers accented by white anthers. The summer blooming plant forms a dense mat, making it a suitable ground cover. Delosperma cooperi thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 to 10, growing best in a bright, sunny location. Plant the flower in well-draining soil in a sheltered location. The plant is highly drought tolerant and prefers to be kept dry during the winter. Check occasionally for pests such as aphids and mealybugs.
  
  

Carpobrotus Edulis

• Also known as hotentot or kafir fig, Carpobrotus edulis is a creeping ice plant variety that grows 3 to 4 inches tall. The plant offers triangular, succulent leaves that are either yellowish green or yellow, as well as pink or yellow flowers. Carpobrotus edulis is suitable for USDA zones 9 to 11, where it flourishes in full sunlight and well-draining, sandy or humus-based soil. The plant may also be grown indoors in a bright location.The plant is an aggressive grower and is considered invasive to local plant habitats in California, Australia and the Mediterranean.
  
  

Mesa Verde Ice Plant

• Mesa Verde ice plant (Delosperma "Kelaidis") is a low-growing perennial ice plant variety that grows to be about 6 inches tall with a spread of about a foot. The plant boasts thin light-green leaves and pinkish flowers. Mesa Verde ice plant has a long bloom period, flowering from midspring until well into fall. The drought-tolerant, hardy plant is suitable for a range of conditions in USDA zones 4 to 8. The plant can tolerate partial or full sunlight. Mesa Verde ice plant thrives in a range of soils, including sandy, well-draining soils and infertile, poor soils.