Delosperma 'Orange Ocean Sunset' is a dazzling mat forming succulent prized for its intense iridescent orange flowers that appear throughout the summer. Its shimmering petals contrast vividly with dense mats of fleshy blue green foliage that hugs the ground and spreads readily. The plant’s vibrant color and fine texture make it especially suited for adding excitement to rock gardens, dry slopes, or container arrangements where bold impact is desired.
Height & Spread: 2 - 4 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Sharp drained sandy or gravelly soils
Watering Needs: Very low; drought tolerant and resents excess moisture
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer due to tough foliage
Native Status
This cultivar originates from South African species and is not native to North America, but is widely cultivated in dryland gardens and xeriscapes for its performance and vivid color.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Flowers attract low flying butterflies such as Painted Ladies and Gray Hairstreaks drawn to its wide open blooms.
Bees
- Highly attractive to native bees and honeybees which are drawn to its bright coloring and abundant nectar.
Moths
- Day flying moths including the Five Spotted Bogus Yucca Moth may visit blooms during midday hours in hot climates.
Beneficial Insects
- Ground hugging foliage creates microhabitats for predatory insects such as rove beetles and ground spiders helping support invertebrate diversity.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow dense spreading mats to fill gaps without crowding neighboring plants.
Landscape Placement:
- Use in gravel gardens, alpine troughs, wall crevices, or curbside hellstrips where its heat and drought resilience can shine. It also performs well cascading from raised beds or retaining walls.
Companion Plants
- Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) - Shares a low growing habit and bright bloom display, offering a pollinator friendly carpet with contrasting textures.
- Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) - Forms tidy tufts with lollipop shaped pink blooms that rise above Delosperma’s horizontal sprawl.
- Dianthus gratianopolitanus (Cheddar Pink) - Adds spicy scented flowers and grassy foliage pairing well in dry rocky sites.
- Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) - Provides upright edible foliage and purple blooms that complement the fiery orange of Delosperma.
- Sempervivum tectorum (Hens and Chicks) - Offers bold rosettes and contrasting vertical form while thriving in similarly lean conditions.