Suntropics Purple Ice Plant

Suntropics Purple Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi 'Suntropics Purple') is a low, trailing succulent that spreads into a carpet about 10cm high and 40cm wide. Its small, shiny daisy flowers are a bright, warm-toned purple with golden centres, peaking in summer and carrying on more lightly through the warmer months. Few groundcovers handle a hot, dry bed so cheerfully.

Why you'll love it

• Vivid purple daisies. Warm-toned purple petals around golden centres give a jewel-like colour that holds up in strong sun.
• Waterwise by design. Slender, fleshy leaves and succulent stems store moisture, so established plants manage heat and dry spells.
• Copes with cold too. It is cold hardy, which means it is not limited to the warm north.
• Winter interest. The leaves turn reddish in winter, so the carpet still has colour between flowerings.
• A low profile. At 10cm high it covers ground without smothering anything planted beside it.

Where it works best

Dry borders, banks and coastal gardens. Plant 30cm apart so the trailing stems meet and cover the soil. It suits sunny slopes, dusty strips and seaside beds where thirstier plants fail.

Rockeries and gravel gardens. Let it trail over stones and pavers, where sharp drainage keeps the roots happy and the purple pops against grey rock.

Pots, rooftops and living walls. It does well in shallow containers of light mix, on exposed rooftops and in planted walls.

Growing Suntropics Purple Ice Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Give it full sun for the most flowers and a compact shape. It is heat tolerant and cold hardy, so it suits Mediterranean, arid, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens, and subtropical ones with excellent drainage. In humid districts, choose the sunniest, airiest position you have.

Soil. Plant in light, free draining soil. It dislikes wet feet and moist, rich ground. On clay, raise the bed or work in coarse sand, or grow it in a pot.

Water and feed. Water lightly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then only when the soil is dry. Skip the rich fertiliser, since it encourages soft, floppy growth.

Pruning. No regular pruning is needed. In spring, snip away any dead or straggling stems to keep the carpet tidy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Suntropics Purple Ice Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly in a sunny, free draining position. Expect a small plant at first, and stems that run outward as the weather warms.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so availability comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out when you visit, use the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our succulent range
• Drought tolerant plants for dry gardens
• Plants that suit pots and containers
• Succulents in Australia: a complete care guide

Common questions

Does it need regular feeding?

No. It does best on lean soil, and rich feeding makes it soft and sprawling. A little care while it establishes is all it needs.

Can I grow it in a pot or a living wall?

Yes. Use a light, free draining mix and put it in the sunniest spot you have. Pots and walls dry out quickly, so water only once the mix has dried.

What happens in a wet summer?

Wet weather is harder on ice plants than heat. Good drainage is the defence, so plant on a slope, a raised bed or a mound of gritty soil.