Carmine Red

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Aizoaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

Genus

Delosperma

Species

cooper

Description

A vigorous, evergreen perennial ornamental plant with a characteristic semi-recumbent or ground cover habit that makes it ideal for creating dense, colourful carpet-like ground cover where a multitude of brightly coloured, daisy-like flowers emerge from between the characteristic fleshy cylindrical leaves. It is mainly used to decorate flower beds and rock gardens but also pots and planters. Very hardy, it tolerates hot and dry climates. It requires no special cultivation care.

Varietal description

Plant suitable for rock gardens in warm temperate climates. Carpeting, with abundant and showy flowering in late spring and summer.

curiosity and special features

The elongated, fleshy-looking leaves store water, making the plant resistant to periods of drought. In addition, the foliage is covered with transparent scales resembling tiny pieces of ice, hence the common name in the Anglo-Saxon world, 'Ice plant'.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to the rocky areas of southern and eastern Africa, it was discovered in the 1800s by Thomas Cooper, a botanist who set out for South Africa in 1859 on a commission from succulent collector W. W. Saunders and from whom the epithet cooperi is derived; today it is widespread throughout Europe as an ornamental plant.

Flower size

The flower is small; the overall flowering is lush and abundant, creating dense, colourful carpet-like coverings.

Leaf

The leaf blades are needle-shaped.

Flowering period

The spectacular flowering lasts from mid-spring to early autumn and lasts between 50 and 70 days.

Leaf color

Solid colours.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.2 m, suitable for use as a first-rate plant in flowerbeds.

Lifespan

Perennial, evergreen plant.

Suggested planting locations

Its rusticity, abundant flowering and ground cover make it an excellent choice for adding an accent of colour in flowerbeds, rock gardens, etc.

Stem/stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is daisy-shaped, small, with a gamopetalous corolla and single-coloured petals. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of 50 to 70 days. It is attractive to bees and butterflies.

Growth

Compact-growing variety, suitable for creating dense cover crops.

Plant habit

The characteristic tape-like habit creates a final effect with high landscape value.

branching

Abundant branching creates dense masses of flowers and leaves.

pH

The ideal pH of the soil is neutral, between 7.0 and 7.5.

soil preparation

Before transplanting in mid-spring, carry out light digging and remove any weeds and bulky stones; also break up coarser clods to give greater softness. If the soil is too compact, it is advisable to bury sand. Finally, distribute professional substrate on the surface for approx. 5/10 cm and carefully level out by preparing the planting holes according to a suitable density.

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sun exposure

The plant expresses its best flowering potential when exposed to full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 25 °C; it adapts well to hot and dry climates. The vital temperature is between 2 and 35 °C

Use

Due to its drought resistance as well as its abundant and colourful blooms, it is appreciated by landscapers and gardening enthusiasts in
Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Characterised by ahigh degree of rusticity, it adapts to soil and climatic conditions that are not always optimal for other ornamentals, withstanding hot and droughty climates.

Soil/medium

In flowerbeds it expresses its best growth and flowering performance in a sandy, light, peaty and well-draining soil; for use in pots or planters a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Maintenance

It is easy to cultivate and maintain, and the level of management effort required is low, giving it added value.

cultivation tips

Some cultivation tricks aimed at achieving the best performance, in a flower bed or planter:

With little light, the flowers close Expose the plant to maximum light

Composition

Ideal for creating combinations with other ornamentals such as Alchemilla mollis, Artemisia, low varieties of Campanula, Coreopsis, Festuca glauca, Sedum sempervivum , also achieving an alternation of different heights with a final scenic perspective effect.

planting

For use in flowerbeds, we recommend an average density of 15 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper development of each specimen, resulting in well-proportioned final compositions. We also suggest not sinking the lump of each plant completely, keeping it moist but not saturated with water to avoid root and collar rot.

Reproduction/Propagation

Mainly by apical and node cuttings.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, alternatively canal water, manually or by irrigation system. After transplanting, assist the seedling by avoiding desiccation and maintaining a constant humidity at the new planting site. Afterwards, allow the soil or substrate to dry out slightly, always checking the moisture level before watering; it is also suggested not to water the plant from above during the evening hours to prevent the development of phytopathologies.

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Fertilization

After planting in the new planting site, during the spring-summer period, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants to the soil or substrate, to be diluted in the irrigation water in appropriate doses and frequencies as stated on the relevant information label.

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Pet friendly

Toxicity to pets not known; consider the specific case and consult with your veterinarian in case of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

Species ornamental, not edible.

Human toxicity

Toxicity not known; avoid ingestion.

advise 1

An extremely interesting plant in rock gardens, it is not suitable for very cold and humid climates although it withstands sub-zero temperatures well.