Delosperma 'Garnet' is a compact mat forming ice plant prized for its intense garnet red blooms and shimmering succulent foliage. The daisy like flowers open in bright sun and appear in waves from late spring through early fall creating a vibrant carpet of color. Its foliage is evergreen in mild climates and often turns bronze in winter adding multi season interest. This cultivar is highly heat tolerant and performs well in containers, rock gardens, and dry borders.
Height & Spread: 2 - 4 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or gravelly soil
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar originates from South African Delosperma species and is not native to North America. It is widely cultivated for ornamental use in xeric and alpine garden designs.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts small butterflies such as Painted Ladies and Common Buckeyes drawn to the bright blooms and accessible nectar.
Bees
- Frequently visited by native solitary bees and honeybees during peak bloom periods in full sun conditions.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides low cover and bloom resources for hoverflies and predatory wasps that aid in controlling garden pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow for spreading growth and full coverage in sunny, dry areas.
Landscape Placement
- Well suited for alpine gardens, containers, rock walls, sunny slopes, and waterwise borders where vibrant ground coverage is desired.
Companion Plants
- Erigeron karvinskianus (Santa Barbara Daisy) - Delicate, daisy like blooms create a naturalistic, textural pairing alongside Delosperma’s vibrant flowers.
- Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) - Offers edible foliage and spherical purple blooms that contrast well with the red hues of 'Garnet'.
- Calylophus drummondianus (Sundrops) - A sun loving, drought tolerant perennial with bright yellow blooms that complement the saturated reds of 'Garnet'.
- Thymus praecox (Creeping Thyme) - Forms a fragrant, low growing mat with tiny flowers and evergreen foliage that interweaves well with ice plant textures.
- Coreopsis auriculata 'Nana' - Compact and long blooming, it provides golden yellow flowers that highlight the jewel tones of ice plants.