Delosperma sutherlandii
A long-flowering, drought-tolerant succulent with brilliant pink daisies and shimmering foliage

Overview
Delosperma sutherlandii, also known as Sutherland’s Ice Plant, is a compact, mat-forming perennial succulent that brings months of vibrant colour to hot, sunny spots. Native to South Africa, it thrives in poor, free-draining soils and produces masses of dazzling, daisy-like flowers in vivid pink with bright yellow centres. Flowering from late spring right through to the first frosts, it’s perfect for rockeries, gravel gardens, dry walls, or containers. With its low-growing habit, shimmering fleshy leaves, and long-lasting blooms, it’s a fantastic choice for UK gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, sun-loving groundcover.

Key Features

• Flowering Period: May to October

• Mature Size: 10cm tall

• Spreading: 30cm wide

• Growth Rate: Fast; forms dense mats in suitable conditions

• Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -10 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H4)

• Soil Requirements: Sharp-draining, sandy or gritty soil

• Aspect: Full sun essential

Flowers
The standout feature of Delosperma sutherlandii is its spectacular flowering display. The blooms are small (2–3cm across) but produced in such profusion that the foliage is often completely covered. Each flower has slender, shimmering petals in rich magenta-pink with a golden-yellow centre, opening fully in bright sunlight. The flowers close during dull weather or at night, making sunny conditions ideal for full impact.

Foliage
The succulent, cylindrical leaves are fleshy, bright green, and slightly glistening – giving rise to the common name "Ice Plant". These evergreen leaves are packed tightly on creeping stems, forming a low-growing carpet that remains attractive all year round in mild conditions.

Growth Habit
Delosperma sutherlandii has a low, spreading growth habit, forming dense, weed-suppressing mats. It gently creeps across gravel, stones, or over the edges of containers, making it ideal for softening hard landscaping or filling gaps between paving slabs.

Soil Requirements
Thrives in poor, sandy, or gritty soils with excellent drainage. It is intolerant of wet or heavy soils, especially in winter. Ideal for rock gardens, alpine beds, raised troughs, and containers where drainage can be controlled. Enriching with grit or horticultural sand improves performance in heavier soils.

Light Requirements
Requires full sun to flower well and maintain compact growth. Plants in shade become leggy, flower poorly, and are prone to rot in damp conditions. Choose the sunniest, most sheltered spot possible.

Watering Needs
Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Water only during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering, particularly in cool or wet weather, is the most common cause of failure. In containers, allow the compost to dry out between waterings.

Planting
Plant in spring after the risk of frost has passed. Ideal for south-facing gravel beds, raised alpine gardens, sunny slopes, or troughs. In colder regions, consider growing in pots that can be brought under cover in winter. Space plants 20–30cm apart to allow for spreading.

Maintenance
Exceptionally low-maintenance. Deadheading is not essential, but removing spent flowers can tidy the plant and encourage continued blooming. In colder areas, provide winter protection such as a gravel mulch or fleece, or overwinter container-grown specimens in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame.

Feeding
Minimal feeding required. In poor soils, a light spring feed with a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertiliser will support healthy growth. Avoid rich composts or overfeeding, which encourage leggy growth and reduce flowering.

Garden Uses

• Rock Gardens: A classic plant for dry, stony, sunny settings

• Gravel Gardens: Outstanding groundcover in low-maintenance, drought-tolerant designs

• Alpine Beds: Perfect for raised beds with excellent drainage

• Dry Walls and Edges: Cascades attractively over walls or steps

• Containers: Excellent for sunny pots, troughs, and roof gardens

Companion Planting
Pairs well with other drought-tolerant and Mediterranean-style plants such as Sedum, Sempervivum, Thymus serpyllum, and Lavandula. Creates striking contrast with silver-leaved companions like Artemisia or Stachys byzantina. For seasonal interest, interplant with spring-flowering alpines like Aubrieta and Arabis.

Potential Issues
Generally pest- and disease-free in well-drained, sunny conditions. Vulnerable to root and stem rot if planted in poorly-draining soils or overwatered. In colder regions, frost damage can occur – especially in prolonged wet and freezing weather. In such areas, provide winter protection or grow in pots.

Seasonal Interest

• Spring: Foliage thickens, flowers begin in late spring

• Summer: Peak flowering period with continuous bright blooms

• Autumn: Flowering often continues until the first frosts

• Winter: Evergreen foliage provides groundcover in mild regions; protect in colder zones

Hardy Zones and Regional Suitability

• RHS Hardiness Rating: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -10 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H4)

• Temperature Tolerance: Not suitable for prolonged hard frosts without protection

• Regional Notes: Ideal for southern and western UK gardens, including coastal areas

• Performance Notes: Best in dry, sunny regions; may need winter protection in cold, wet climates

Delosperma sutherlandii is a brilliant, long-flowering succulent that thrives in hot, dry, sunny conditions. Its dazzling pink flowers, shimmering evergreen foliage, and easy-going nature make it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens, gravel beds, and containers. For UK gardeners in well-drained sites or with a sunny windowsill or patio, this is an eye-catching and reliable performer that delivers colour from late spring until frost with hardly any fuss.