Dorotheanthus Mezoo

The Dorotheanthus 'Mezoo', also known as Variegated Dorotheanthus, is a small succulent plant with light green variegated foliage edged with cream, both graphic and decorative. Its trailing or creeping habit makes it perfect for enhancing hanging baskets, planters, and borders, as well as an effective ground cover in flowerbeds or rock gardens. Its rapid growth and drought resistance make it an easy-to-care-for plant, highly valued in dry or Mediterranean gardens. Although its flowering is subtle, it remains charming with small pink flowers that appear from June until the first frosts, opening only on sunny days.

The Dorotheanthus 'Mezoo', synonymous with Cleretum bellidiforme 'Mezoo', belongs to the Aizoaceae family, just like Delosperma and Aptenias. This cultivar is the result of cross-breeding between Mesembryanthemum cordifolium (formerly Aptenia cordifolia) and M. haeckelianum, both native to South Africa. This hybrid plant gave rise to the 'Red Apple' variety, from which the 'Mezoo' mutation emerged. This mutation produced variegated green and cream foliage, retaining the vigour and density of the 'Red Apple'. This variegated ice plant forms a dense, ramified clump 30 cm in diameter, but can spread over a wider area (up to 90 cm) when grown as a ground cover. Its height does not exceed 8 to 12 cm. In hanging baskets, its trailing stems form a cascade that can reach 1.20 m in length. Its succulent, elliptical, and thick leaves remain well-coloured throughout the season, while its small pink flowers, in star-shaped heads, add a cheerful touch in summer. The Dorotheanthus 'Mezoo' is a frost-tender perennial, often grown as an annual in temperate climates.

The Cleretum bellidiforme 'Mezoo' lends itself to many uses in the garden. It can be used as a border plant, ground cover, or to stabilise mounds and slopes, thanks to its ability to creep and cover large areas. In pots and planters, it pairs well with trailing plants or light grasses. Its bright foliage is appreciated for creating interesting contrasts in displays. Pair it with creeping succulents such as Delospermas, Sedums, houseleeks, and other small perennials like South African daisies (Felicia, Osteospermum, Dimorphoteca). In pots or hanging baskets, it will be ideal on a sunny patio or even indoors on a bright windowsill.