Ruschia prostrata

The Ruschia or Antimima prostrata is a small South African plant with a prostrate habit belonging to the group of Mesembryanthemum, Lampranthus, and other Drosanthemum, characterized by small succulent leaves and a specific adaptation to arid areas. This prostrate Ruschia, very rarely available for sale, will delight collectors. Under favourable conditions, this plant flowers over a very long period, covering itself with small flowers resembling light pink daisies. Ruschia plants love the sun, the seaside, sandy and poor soils, and tolerate very dry summers. They are tender plants that can be grown in pots or as annuals in most climates.

The Ruschia prostrata belongs to the Aizoaceae family. This family comprises a large number of perennial succulent plants originating from South Africa, East Africa, and Madagascar, which are perfectly suited to hot and dry climates and coastal conditions. They settle between stones, rocks, or dry slopes, provided they find some substrate. If your climate is subject to slightly marked frosts, place these plants in pots or containers that can be brought indoors in winter. The hardiness of Antimimia prostrata is difficult to assess given the limited available information. Some sources give up to -5 °C in dry soil.

The Ruschia prostrata forms very low clumps, quickly reaching about 15-20 cm (6-8in) in height and 50-60 cm (20-24in) in width. This plant develops slender, reddish stems covered with elongated, fleshy, triangular-sectioned leaves, bluish-green in colour, which turn red in the sun and drought. The stems become woody with age. Flowering begins in March-April in mild climates and continues for several weeks, before generally fading between July and August, depending on the climates. The vegetation disappears under a mass of daisy-shaped flowers, 2 cm (1in) in diameter. These flowers have very thin and elongated light pink petals. They only open in the sun and attract many pollinating insects. A short-lived perennial, it is preferable to divide this plant every 3-4 years.

If you like Delosperma, ficoïds, and Lampranthus, you will succumb to the charm of Ruschia and Antimima. This Antimima prostrata is a quintessential Mediterranean rock garden plant. It thrives in coastal gardens alongside Sedums, Sempervivums, and other small perennials such as South African daisies (Felicia, Osteospermum). Hanging baskets hosting Ruschia, Drosanthemum, ficoïds, and 'Wheels of Wonder' series Delosperma in various colours will create a stunning, easy-to-maintain, multicoloured carpet for a very long period.