Delosperma Table Mountain (coated seeds) - Ice plant

Sowing Ice Plant 'Table Mountain' Seeds (coated seeds) makes it easy to grow this mat-forming perennial renowned for its long-lasting and vibrant fuchsia-toned flowering. This variety quickly covers the ground with its succulent, evergreen and dense foliage, forming a bright and resilient plant carpet. Ideal for dry gardens and sunny areas, it adapts perfectly to rockeries, walls, borders or even summer containers. Its creeping habit, daisy-shaped flowers and tolerance to both heat and cold (down to -8°C) make it a top choice for sustainable gardens.

Also known as Mesembryanthemum cooperi 'Table Mountain', Cooper's Ice Plant 'Table Mountain' is a horticultural variety developed from the South African species Delosperma cooperi, belonging to the Aizoaceae family. This selection was introduced in 2002 by the Denver Botanic Garden and Colorado State University, with the aim of improving the winter hardiness of the species. The 'Table Mountain' cultivar is distinguished by its prolonged flowering and its ability to withstand lower temperatures than the original species. This succulent perennial has a mat-forming habit, creating a dense carpet of creeping stems that spread 30 to 60 cm wide, with a height of 15 cm. Its growth is rapid. The stems are fleshy, green, and can become slightly woody with age. The foliage is evergreen, composed of cylindrical, shiny green leaves, measuring 2 to 3 cm long. In winter, the foliage may take on purplish hues, adding additional seasonal interest. The spectacular flowering extends from late spring until the first frosts. The daisy-shaped flowers measure 3 to 5 cm in diameter, with narrow, vibrant magenta pink petals and a yellow centre. They open in full sun and close at night or in overcast weather. Pollination is mainly carried out by insects, particularly bees and butterflies.

Semi-hardy, Cooper's Ice Plant 'Table Mountain' will not withstand temperatures below -8°C. It will be necessary to protect it or bring it under cover if you wish to keep it from one year to the next. In a pot, it will adapt perfectly to the warmth of a conservatory during winter. It forms a bright carpet whose fuchsia flowering seems to vibrate under the light. Placed at the top of a wall or at the edge of a rockery, it catches the eye with its sustained brilliance and the thick texture of its succulent foliage. It pairs well with architectural grasses such as Stipa tenuissima, whose soft movement contrasts with the ice plant, or Euphorbia myrsinites, whose fleshy spirals extend the play of volumes. These understated and structured pairings are perfect for dry, sunny and contemporary gardens.