Purple Iceplant

Delosperma cooperi

del-oh-SPUR-muh koo-PER-ee
2 to 4 in.
12 to 18 in.

low

violet purple

summer to fall

2 to 4 in.

12 to 18 in.

No

South Africa

sun

USDA zones 5-8

hardy to 7,000 ft.

Purple iceplant was one of the first iceplants used widely in landscaping. It is a groundcover with round, succulent-type leave. In summer, the leaves are light grey-green while in winter they turn reddish-purple.

The daisy-like flowers are a very bright violet purple. They cover the plant in early summer, with lesser blooms throughout the summer. Has become less popular since Table Mountain iceplant was introduced.

low

violet purple

summer to fall

2 to 4 in.

12 to 18 in.

No

South Africa

sun

USDA zones 5-8

hardy to 7,000 ft.

Purple iceplant has been grown in the very low water zone at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, and performed well overall. The flowers were show-stopping, and the fall foliage color was attractive.

As areas of the garden have been renovated, Table Mountain iceplant has been used where a purple-flowering iceplant is desired.

No maintenance is required, except raking debris off the plant as needed. Be sure to plant this in an area with excellent drainage and pea gravel mulch. Some iceplants perform poorly in wood or bark mulch.