Delosperma 'Jewel of Desert Opal'
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Delosperma Jewel of Desert Opal: Fuchsia Fireworks on Dry Ground
Bright fuchsia-magenta flowers with a white ring and a hint of lavender, flashing more colour than an opal under a disco ball. This ice plant spreads into a compact mat and sparkles every sunny day. DISCO NEVER DIED.
Plant Characteristics:
- Botanical Name: Delosperma cooperi 'DSAB13-1'
- Common Name: Hardy Ice Plant
- Series: Jewel of Desert
- Height: 10β15 cm (4β6 in)
- Spread: 25β30 cm (10β12 in)
- Flowers: Bright fuchsia-magenta with a white inner ring tipped light purple and a yellow centre. They open in sunshine.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to fall (May to September)
- Foliage: Small, fleshy green leaves forming a compact mat
- Plant Patent: USPP 27,056
Where to Plant: Use it as a bright edging for sunny paths and driveways, or as a carpet for rock and gravel gardens. It's also a good spiller for pots and troughs that dry out fast.
Companion Plants: Bergenia 'Bressingham White' opens white flowers in April and May, and its bold leaves contrast with the fine, succulent mat. Gaura 'Monarch Pink' adds airy pink flowers from June to September. Allium senescens brings lavender globes at 25 cm from July to September. Pink, white and lavender sit softly beside the magenta ice plant.
Plant Care: Plant in full sun in well-drained, sandy or gritty soil. Water regularly for the first few weeks, then only during long dry periods. Fertilizer isn't needed and tends to make the mat sprawl and flower less. Good drainage is the key to getting it through a Canadian winter. Avoid clay and low, wet spots, especially where snowmelt collects. Raised beds, slopes and wall tops are ideal. Keep heavy mulch off the crown. There's no cutting back. In spring, remove any winter-killed pieces. Rooted stems from the edge can be lifted and replanted elsewhere.
History: The hardy ice plant, Delosperma cooperi, is native to South Africa and is the backbone of most ice plants grown in cold gardens. Opal comes from Koichiro Nishikawa's Jewel of Desert breeding program in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from a 2011 self-cross selected in 2012.
Final Thoughts: Drought tolerant once established, deer resistant and loved by pollinators. Plant it in the hottest corner. THE GRAVEL IS NOW A DANCE FLOOR.
