Hardy Ice Plant
Best low-maintenance ground cover for busy, sun-loving gardeners.
Discover the Hardy Ice Plant, a vibrant, low-growing succulent that brings a splash of color to your garden. Its daisy-like flowers, appearing in shades of pink, purple, yellow, or red, create a stunning visual display. Perfect for ground cover or rock gardens, this plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, offering excellent drought tolerance. With minimal maintenance needs, it's an easy-care choice for adding beauty and texture to your landscape. Propagation is simple, making it a rewarding addition for any gardener.
$11.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1080
/ 2713
#1080 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Size Available
1
/ gallon
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants for drought-prone landscapes
- Homeowners wanting long-lasting, vibrant color throughout the growing season
- Cold-climate gardeners needing durable, winter-hardy ground cover
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with heavy clay or poorly draining soil
- Landscapers managing delicate or slow-growing plant collections
- Gardeners with shaded yards or frequent overcast weather
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in arid conditions with minimal supplemental watering required.
Ground Cover Density
Spreading habit effectively suppresses weeds while creating a lush carpet.
Maintenance Effort
Requires almost no pruning or fertilization to maintain its health.
Visual Impact
Vibrant daisy-like blooms provide a high-contrast pop of seasonal color.
Propagation Ease
Simple division and cutting techniques make expanding your garden effortless.
Environmental Versatility
Adapts well to rock gardens, containers, or challenging sandy soil.
Key Specs
Size Available
1 gallon
Height
2 to 6 inches
Spread
1 to 3 feet
Bloom Length
4 to 6 weeks
Soil Type Preference
Sandy or gravelly
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Water Needs
Low
Growth Habit
Spreading
Features
- Vibrant, daisy-like flowers in multiple colors
- Excellent drought tolerance
- Low-growing habit for ground cover
- Resistant to common pests and diseases
- Requires minimal pruning and fertilization
- Easy propagation from cuttings or division
- Thrives in full sun conditions
- Suitable for container planting
What customers say
The Holly Days Nursery Hardy Ice Plant earns high marks primarily for its quality and reliability. Customers frequently mention the plants arrive healthy, robust, and expertly packaged, minimizing transplant shock. The key insight is the plant's dependable performance; it establishes easily and proves exceptionally hardy, thriving as low maintenance ground cover even in difficult environments. This combination of initial quality and long term reliability ensures strong consumer confidence and satisfaction.
Know before you buy
This plant requires full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Without adequate light, the plant will become leggy and produce significantly fewer flowers.
No, the Hardy Ice Plant requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. If you have heavy clay, it is best to amend the soil with sand or gravel, or plant it in a raised bed or container.
The Hardy Ice Plant is evergreen in many climates, though its foliage may take on a bronze or reddish hue during colder months. It is highly resilient and will bounce back once temperatures rise in the spring.
Once established, this plant is highly drought-tolerant and requires very little supplemental water. Only water during extended periods of extreme heat or drought, as the succulent leaves store moisture effectively.
While it is a durable ground cover, it is best suited for rock gardens or borders rather than areas with frequent foot traffic. It can handle light occasional stepping, but constant pressure may damage the succulent stems.
Propagation is straightforward; you can simply take stem cuttings or divide the root ball during the growing season. Place the cuttings in well-draining soil, and they will typically root and establish themselves quickly.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$12