Dark Rose Yellow Center

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Aizoaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

Genus

Delosperma

Species

sutherlandii

Description

Evergreen perennial succulent whose ground cover makes it ideal for flower beds, rock gardens and green roofs. The dense foliage creates dense, carpet-like canopies dotted with a multitude of daisy-like flowers in bright colours, which are also popular with pollinating insects. Suitable for warm temperate climates, it does not tolerate very cold winters.

Variety description

Plant suitable as ground cover on rock gardens in warm temperate climates is frost-hardy. It flowers profusely and showily in spring and summer.

Curiosities and special features

Like other species belonging to the botanical genus Delosperma, it has leaves capable of storing water, making the plant resistant to periods of drought.

Origin and distribution

Native species of South Africa, from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal.

Flower size

Flower is small, lending elegance to the thriving bloom.

Leaf

The leaf blades are needle-shaped.

Flowering period

It flowers from early spring to summer for a duration of 50 to 60 days.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.2 m depending on the habitus developed.

Lifespan

Evergreen perennial succulent.

Where to plant

Due to its bearing and lively flowering it is suitable for flower beds, rock gardens Also suitable for ponds and green roofs.

Stem

The stems are herbaceous.

Flower

The flower is daisy-shaped, small, with plain petals. It flowers from early spring to summer, with a flowering period of 50 to 60 days. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Compact-growing variety, suitable for creating dense, green areas dotted with flowers in bright, vibrant colours.

Plant habit

The tapestry habitus allows dense coverage of high ornamental value.

Branching

The branching developed is abundant with a compact and dense end result.

PH

The ideal pH of the soil or substrate for the sutherlandii species is between 5.8 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before spring transplanting, carry out light digging, removing weeds, any residues of previous crops and bulky stones; if the soil is too compact and poorly draining, bury sand. Finally, add professional-quality substrate to the surface by approx. 5/10 cm and carefully level out.

Sun exposure

For luxuriant flowering choose exposures in full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C. The vital temperature is between 3 and 40 °C

Use

Its bearing and showy flowering make it suitable for use in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

A variety with low rusticity, it fears winter cold and is suitable for warm temperate climates.

Soil

It prefers loose, peaty, well-draining soil. For tubs or pots, use a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite.

Difficulty

Cultivation is easy, with an overall low level of management effort once the plant is well established in the new planting site.

Growing tips

Some cultivation tips for best growth and flowering results:

With little light the flowers close Expose the plant to maximum light Balanced fertilisation

Combinations with other plants

The ground cover allows it to be combined with different Sedum varieties.

Planting

We recommend an average density of 20 plants per square metre to ensure the correct development of each specimen, thus obtaining a proportionate and compact final composition that best expresses the aesthetic value of the plant with its spring-summer blooms. We suggest placing each seedling on a raised bed with the collar outside the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding sinking the root balls completely, and finally watering immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours, preventing water stagnation.

Propagation

Propagation is by apical cuttings and node cuttings.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct, by hand watering or with an irrigation system. At transplanting, water frequently with small quantities to prevent water saturation. Afterwards, allow the soil or substrate to dry out slightly, avoiding both waterlogging, which compromises the plant's development by promoting root rot and collar rot, and also drying out with subsequent leaf yellowing. It is advisable not to water the aerial part of the plant during the evening to prevent the spread of phytopathologies.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

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. Do not over-fertilise to avoid reddening of the apical part of the leaves.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible ornamental Species.

Tip

An interesting plant due to its abundant flowering, avoid growing this plant in cold and frost-prone areas. It is also suitable for walking lawns or use for green roofs.