Delosperma 'Violet Ocean Sunset' is a vivid heat loving succulent ground cover that forms a dense mat of fleshy emerald green foliage covered in jewel toned violet blooms with shimmering iridescence. Each flower opens wide in the sun and closes at night, creating a dynamic color display from late spring into fall. Its evergreen leaves offer interest year round in warm climates, and it is excellent for pollinator activity in sunny dry areas.
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 rocky soil
Watering Needs: Low; highly drought tolerant
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Delosperma cooperi, a species native to South Africa. It is not native to North America but is widely used in drought tolerant landscaping due to its resilience and prolonged bloom period.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies such as Painted Ladies and Common Buckeyes which are drawn to its bright wide open blooms.
Bees
- Supports native bees and honeybees that forage on its extended bloom period throughout the summer.
Moths
- Low growing habit provides cover for ground dwelling moths and nectar for occasional day flying moth species.
Beneficial Insects
- Offers nectar to hoverflies and predatory wasps contributing to pest control in rock gardens and containers.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to encourage a tight carpet that suppresses weeds and reduces soil erosion.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for rock gardens, retaining walls, sunny borders, containers, and between stepping stones where it tolerates heat and light foot traffic.
Companion Plants
- Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood' - Offers similarly bold color with fleshy leaves and red blooms that contrast and blend with violet tones.
- Sempervivum tectorum (Hens and Chicks) - Adds rosette form and drought resistance that echo the succulent foliage of Delosperma.
- Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) - Shares a low profile and sun loving nature while adding fragrance and tiny summer flowers.
- Calylophus drummondianus (Sundrops) - Provides bright yellow blooms in dry conditions for a complementary color contrast.
- Erigeron karvinskianus (Santa Barbara Daisy) - Softens edges with a long bloom season of pink and white daisies weaving between succulents.