Delosperma sutherlandii
Best low-maintenance groundcover for sunny, water-wise rock gardens.
Introducing the Delosperma sutherlandii, also known as Sutherland's Ice Plant, a captivating groundcover native to South Africa. This slow-growing perennial reaches approximately 3 inches in height and spreads up to 10 inches wide, showcasing large purple flowers with distinctive white 'eyeballs' and yellow pupils. Blooming from late spring through mid-summer, this evergreen plant is sensitive to overwatering, thriving in sunny spots with excellent drainage, making it ideal for rock gardens and xeriscaping.
$21.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2713
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-52%
Below average
Height
3
/ " tall
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking long-lasting, vibrant color throughout the summer months
- Xeriscaping enthusiasts living in hot, arid climates with limited water
- Cold-climate gardeners wanting succulent beauty in freezing winter conditions
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with heavy clay soil or poor drainage systems
- Minimalists wanting low-maintenance plants that stay in one place
- Shade-garden owners lacking intense, direct sunlight exposure
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in arid conditions with minimal supplemental irrigation required.
Visual Impact
Unique purple blooms provide a high-contrast focal point for rock gardens.
Maintenance Ease
Low-growing habit requires almost no pruning or seasonal cleanup.
Pollinator Attraction
Bright floral centers effectively draw bees and butterflies to the landscape.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters rabbits, keeping your groundcover intact throughout the season.
Drainage Sensitivity
Requires precise soil conditions to prevent root rot in wetter climates.
Key Specs
Height
3" tall
Spread
10" wide
Hardiness Zones
6a to 9b
Bloom Time
Summer
Origin
South Africa
Pot Size
3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
Dormancy
Evergreen
Culture Requirement
Sun
Features
- Compact ice plant groundcover
- Striking purple flowers with unique centers
- Blooms late spring to mid-summer
- Drought tolerant
- Rabbit resistant
- Evergreen foliage
- Attracts pollinators
- Ideal for rock gardens
What customers say
Customers highly praise the Delosperma sutherlandii for its spectacular, long-lasting magenta blooms, noting the vibrant color provides stunning ground coverage all summer. A key theme is its exceptional reliability; this ice plant demonstrates superior hardiness and drought tolerance, thriving in challenging, dry garden spots. Buyers consistently report receiving healthy, robust plants, confirming the nursery's high quality standards. This low maintenance gem is viewed as a worthwhile investment for guaranteed success, especially for xeriscapes and sunny slopes. The consensus is that this cultivar delivers vibrant color and dependable performance, making it a highly recommended choice for reliable groundcover.
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in full sun. To ensure the best flower production and keep the foliage compact, place it in a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
While it is classified as an evergreen, its foliage appearance can vary based on your local climate. In zones 6a through 9b, it will maintain its structure, though it may look slightly less vibrant during the coldest winter months.
Excellent drainage is the most critical requirement for this species. It is highly sensitive to overwatering, so it performs best in gritty, sandy, or rocky soil that does not hold moisture around the roots.
No, this is a slow-growing perennial that reaches a maximum spread of about 10 inches. It is better suited for small-scale rock gardens or containers rather than as a rapid-spreading groundcover for large landscapes.
Delosperma sutherlandii is considered rabbit resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern. It is generally hardy and does not attract many common garden pests.
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$21