Delosperma 'Wheels of Wonder Violet' is a vivid ice plant cultivar that stands out with large iridescent violet purple flowers surrounding golden yellow centers. Blooming continuously from late spring through fall, its daisy like flowers attract attention in hot sunny gardens. The trailing succulent foliage forms a dense mat that stays evergreen in mild climates and can tolerate light foot traffic making it a vibrant living mulch alternative. Its high heat and salt tolerance make it particularly well suited for coastal and urban plantings.
Height & Spread: 2 - 4 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or gravelly soil
Watering Needs: Low; extremely drought tolerant
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Delosperma cooperi and related species native to South Africa. It is not native to North America but widely grown in temperate and arid gardens for its ornamental qualities.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Draws butterflies such as Painted Ladies and Gray Hairstreaks, especially in full sun xeriscape gardens.
Bees
- Provides abundant nectar for honeybees, leafcutter bees, and native solitary bees throughout the growing season.
Moths
- Occasionally visited by day flying moths like the Five Spotted Bogus Yucca Moth in arid open habitats.
Beneficial Insects
- Ground hugging foliage creates shelter for ground beetles and other beneficial insects that help regulate pest populations.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to form a continuous mat and reduce weed competition.
Landscape Placement
- Best used in sunny rock gardens, green roofs, slopes, curbside strips, containers, or as a colorful edging ground cover in xeric designs.
Companion Plants
- Agave parryi (Parrys Agave) - Provides bold architectural structure and thrives in the same dry, sunny conditions.
- Echinocereus reichenbachii (Lace Cactus) - Offers pink blooms and spiny contrast to the dense mat of Delosperma.
- Penstemon pinifolius (Pineleaf Penstemon) - Features narrow evergreen foliage and fiery red blooms to contrast with violet flowers.
- Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage) - Brings hummingbird friendly color and shrubby form to complement ice plant ground cover.
- Sempervivum tectorum (Hens and Chicks) - Adds rosettes and sculptural interest while thriving in similar gravelly soil.