Ice plants are resilient ground cover plants that thrive in sunny, arid conditions. These succulent perennials are named for their glistening, ice-like appearance. Ice plants are an excellent choice for water-wise gardening, as they not only add vibrant colour to your garden with their daisy-like flowers but also help control erosion in dry, sunny areas.
Planting Calendar
Ice plants are best planted in spring, summer and autumn.
Prepare
Ice plants put on a spectacular display from spring and summer. They work well when planted in rockeries, hanging baskets, down walls or in containers. Flowers range in colour from white, yellow, pink, red, orange, purple.
Position
Ice plants flower best when planted in a hot sunny location with soil that drains quickly. Lack of light can cause leggy weak growth.
Soil
Ice plants need soil that is very free draining, they do not do well in soil that is constantly moist. Add sand, pumice or scoria to improve drainage, when planting into containers plant into Cacti and succulent mix.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Depending on your soil, add sand, scoria or pumice to improve the drainage. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Cacti and Succulent mix.
Care
Watering
Once established, water your ice plant sparingly during the growing season. One watering every two weeks should be sufficient during periods when there is no rainfall, though a weekly watering might be necessary during hot weather.
Feeding
For strong healthy roots and plants, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Mulching
Mulching is not required for ice plants.
Spraying
Spraying may be required if Mealy bug or Aphids are a problem. Spray with Groventive Garden.
Pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth.
Expert Tip
Yellowing ice plant leaves are another common consequence of overwatering, as is signs of withering and dying.