Delosperma 'Jewel of Desert Rosequartz'

Delosperma 'Jewel of Desert Rosequartz': Pink Stars Ringed in White

Rose quartz is supposed to bring good vibes, and this ice plant takes that job literally. Rose-pink petals with a white halo and a yellow centre, open all day in the sun and tucked in by evening. CRYSTAL HEALING FOR YOUR ROCK GARDEN.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Delosperma cooperi 'Jewel of Desert Rosequartz'
• Common Name: Hardy Ice Plant
• Series: Jewel of Desert
• Height: 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
• Spread: 25–30 cm (10–12 in)
• Flowers: Rose-pink petals with a white inner halo and a yellow centre. They open in sunshine and close in the evening.
• Bloom Time: Late spring to fall (May to September)
• Foliage: Small, succulent green leaves forming a dense, low mat
• Plant Patent: USPP 23,452

Where to Plant: Rosequartz is a soft-coloured choice for rock gardens, sunny slopes, wall pockets, gravel paths and shallow containers. Its gentle colour blends easily wherever it goes.

Companion Plants: Thymus 'Coccineus' weaves through the front as a 2 to 5 cm mat with magenta flowers in June and July. Agastache 'Mango Tango' adds warm orange spikes from July to September. Gaura 'Monarch White' brings airy white flowers from June to September. This low, sunny mix is perfect for a rock garden or hot slope.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in lean, very well-drained soil. Sandy or gravelly is best. Water during the first few weeks after planting, then only in long dry spells. Don't feed it. Ice plants tolerate cold far better than they tolerate wet. Heavy clay, low spots and soggy spring soil are the usual problems in our region. A slope, raised bed or rock wall helps a lot. Keep thick mulch and fallen leaves off it over winter. There's no cutting back. In spring, remove any pieces that didn't make it through winter. Rooted stems can be lifted from the edge to start new patches.

History: Delosperma cooperi is a South African succulent and one of the hardiest ice plants for cold climates. Rosequartz was bred in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, by Koichiro Nishikawa and selected in November 2006 from a self-crossed seedling in his breeding program.

Final Thoughts: Drought tolerant once established and deer resistant. Plant it on a hot, dry slope and feel the energy shift. MANIFEST A BETTER BORDER.