Delosperma 'Hot Pink Wonder' is a vibrant ice plant cultivar prized for its fluorescent pink daisy like blooms and dense succulent foliage. The flowers open fully in sunlight creating a striking carpet of color through the heat of summer. Evergreen in warmer zones, it offers seasonal interest with minimal input, and its ability to cascade makes it excellent for rock walls and containers.
Height & Spread: 2 - 4 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or gravelly soils
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Unpalatable to deer due to thick, succulent foliage
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Delosperma species native to South Africa. It is not native to North America but performs well in xeriscapes and dry ornamental plantings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies such as Painted Lady and Common Buckeye with its brightly colored nectar rich flowers.
Bees
- Supports native solitary bees and honeybees drawn to its extended blooming period and open flower form.
Moths
- Occasionally visited by diurnal moths such as the Chickweed Geometer and other small nectar seeking species.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides foraging habitat for hoverflies and parasitic wasps that help manage aphids and other pests in dry gardens.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to encourage full coverage and reduce weed competition.
Landscape Placement
- Effective in rock gardens, along gravel paths, over stone walls, and spilling from containers. Also useful in green roofs or low border edges.
Companion Plants
- Dianthus gratianopolitanus (Cheddar Pinks) - A low growing fragrant perennial with fringed pink blooms that complement the intense flowers of Delosperma.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' (Tickseed) - Offers fine textured foliage and bright yellow flowers that contrast with Delosperma’s hot pink tones.
- Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) - A tough mat forming herb with lavender flowers and aromatic leaves that weave between Delosperma clumps.
- Sempervivum tectorum (Hens and Chicks) - Offers sculptural rosettes in dry gravelly soils and thrives alongside Delosperma’s spreading habit.
- Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) - Provides upright edible leaves and purple pompom blooms in sun drenched dry soils.