Alan's Apricot Ice Plant
Best low-maintenance groundcover for waterwise, deer-resistant garden landscapes.
Alan's Apricot Ice Plant is a standout perennial groundcover, celebrated as a 2016 Plant Select® Winner for its exceptional cold hardiness and extended bloom time. This succulent variety offers a continuous display of apricot and yellow-tinted flowers from late spring through summer. It's a waterwise choice, thriving in full sun and ideal for xeriscaping and firescaping. While it spreads effectively to cover ground, it's not suited for foot traffic. Adaptable to zones 4-10, it brings vibrant, low-maintenance color to diverse garden settings.
$6.79
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1667
/ 2989
#1667 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-75%
Below average
Mature Height
2
/ inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking long-lasting, vibrant seasonal curb appeal
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, water-wise landscaping
- Landscapers looking for natural, low-effort weed control solutions
Who should skip it
- Gardeners maintaining strictly defined, small-scale planting beds
- Gardeners in regions with frequent overcast or cloudy weather
- Homeowners with heavy, poorly draining clay soil conditions
Performance breakdown
Climate Adaptability
Thrives across a massive range of USDA zones from four through ten.
Water Efficiency
Requires minimal irrigation once established, making it perfect for waterwise landscapes.
Bloom Longevity
Provides a consistent, vibrant color display from late spring through summer.
Maintenance Effort
A low-effort perennial that demands very little attention from the gardener.
Pest Resistance
Naturally deters deer while remaining safe and attractive to local pollinators.
Ground Coverage
Spreads effectively as a groundcover but cannot withstand any foot traffic.
Key Specs
Mature Height
2 inches
Mature Spread
15 inches
Hardiness Zones
USDA 4-10
Growth Habit
Groundcover
Sun Exposure Requirement
Full Sun
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Water Requirement
Low
Soil Type Preference
Well-drained
Features
- Super cold-hardy for extended growing seasons
- Long blooming period for continuous color
- Drought resistant and waterwise once established
- Excellent for xeriscaping and firescaping
- Low maintenance, easy to care for
- Attractive apricot and yellow flower hues
- Bee friendly and deer resistant
- 2016 Plant Select® Winner
What customers say
Consumers consistently praise the exceptional reliability and striking design of Alan's Apricot Ice Plant. Reviewers frequently note the plants arrive healthy and establish themselves quickly, demonstrating excellent hardiness even in challenging climates. The vibrant apricot coloring is a major highlight, exceeding expectations for ground cover aesthetics. Customers feel this plant delivers significant visual impact and requires minimal maintenance, making it a highly valued addition to garden landscapes.
Know before you buy
No, this plant is not suitable for foot traffic. While it makes an excellent groundcover for decorative areas, it will not withstand being stepped on.
Alan's Apricot Ice Plant requires full sun to thrive and produce its signature apricot and yellow flowers. Ensure it is planted in a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Yes, this variety is considered deer resistant. While no plant is completely immune to hungry wildlife, it is generally ignored by deer in most garden settings.
Well-drained soil is essential for this plant. Because it is a drought-tolerant succulent, it will struggle in heavy, wet, or clay-heavy soils that hold too much moisture.
Once established, this plant is highly waterwise and drought-resistant. It requires very little supplemental watering, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping.
Yes, it is exceptionally cold-hardy and is rated for USDA zones 4 through 10. It is specifically recognized for its ability to withstand colder climates while maintaining its perennial status.
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$7