Garden ice-plant mix: colourful cushions with a dry winter position

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Eight small plants for a lively play of colour

The offer comprises eight ice plants in 14 cm pots with approximately 17 cm overall height each. The colour mix combines different flower tones without promising a fixed named variety list. Each flower and growth habit develops differently over the season. A photo of profusely flowering cushions therefore shows a possible garden effect, not a permanently identical delivery condition. Our new scene deliberately shows only one compact example plant from the mix. The eight plants and the chosen planting area must be considered separately.

Succulent leaves and sun-loving flowers

Delosperma belongs to the ice-plant family. Narrow fleshy leaves store water while stems form low cushions and spread sideways. The many fine petals open particularly effectively in sunshine under suitable conditions. Cloudy weather or evening can considerably change the floral display. This does not mean a diseased plant. The genus includes different species and cultivated forms. The frost sensitivity of another indoor delosperma cannot be transferred to this garden mix, nor vice versa.

Sun needs soil that lets water leave again

Choose a sunny rock garden, well-drained wall top or free-draining container. Soil structure matters particularly in wet-winter regions. Heavy compacted soil retains moisture longer than a loose mineral mixture. Improve the rooted area and drainage instead of simply scattering decorative gravel on top. Container openings must remain free. A rain-sheltered position may also be airy and bright. Permanent shade and waterlogging are poor conditions for dense freely flowering cushions.

Support small root balls during establishment

Even a drought-tolerant ice plant needs water after planting out. Check the root ball, plant at its previous depth and water specifically. Afterwards check whether the plant is establishing in surrounding soil. A tiny dry delivery root ball may need water although the rest of the ground still feels cool. Established plants are watered much more sparingly. Continue observing during long summer droughts or in small containers. Do not constantly spray leaf cushions wet; watering should preferably reach the root area. The pot must then drain freely.

Spreading and flowering need some patience

Arrange the eight pots over the area before planting. Close spacings in the offer are not universal final distances for every later variety. Allow more room for vigorous growth so cushions do not immediately crowd one another. Restrained feeding during the growing period is usually enough. More feed does not automatically lead to more flowers. Faded or dead remains can be removed gently. Strongly overhanging healthy stems may be shortened when needed. Work without injuring the firm older plant core and young shoots.

Hardy is no promise against every winter situation

The shop offers the mix as hardy. Since individual varieties are unnamed, no common exact sub-zero limit is guaranteed here. Experience with Delosperma cooperi chiefly shows how critical wet winters may be; it does not automatically determine the species of this mix. Ensure good drainage and protect containers in severe cold. A cold bright covered position may help more sensitive specimens. In spring check dead areas before removing them. Partial foliage decline and living shoots at the base must be distinguished from soft rot.

One plant, several views

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