Delosperma "Ice Plant" - Drought-Proof Color Splash

 

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Sedum - Drought-proof Color for Tough Gardens

 

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Delosperma: A Jewel in the Drought-Hardy Crown

Delosperma, commonly known as Ice Plant, hails from the arid and rocky slopes of South Africa, where survival depends on resilience and brilliance. These succulents, members of the Aizoaceae family, thrive where others falter—basking in full sun, laughing at poor soil, and enduring long droughts. Their name, from the Greek delos meaning “visible” and sperma meaning “seed,” hints at the exposed nature of their seeds, though most gardeners today know them best for their daisy-like blooms in luminous hues of magenta, orange, gold, and even iridescent fuchsia. Like jewels scattered across gravel beds or between stepping stones, they brighten even the most Spartan landscape.

In gardens, Delosperma offers more than color. As evergreen groundcovers, they form dense mats that suppress weeds and cling tightly to slopes, making them perfect for erosion control and rock gardens. While not known for medicinal use in the traditional Western sense, some Delosperma species have been used in Southern African folk medicine for respiratory ailments and soothing skin irritations. But their modern charm lies in low-maintenance landscaping. Cold-hardy varieties like Delosperma cooperi can survive surprising chill, while others revel in dry, sun-scorched patios. Plant them in containers, tuck them into wall crevices, or let them spill over retaining walls with carefree grace.

Ready to add brilliance without the backache? Plant Delosperma in well-drained soil and full sun—and watch your garden sparkle. Visit GoGardenNow.com to discover top-performing Delosperma varieties perfect for your region.

 

Sempervivum - The Plant That Never Dies

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Sedum: The Stonecrop Jewel of the Garden

Sedum, often called stonecrop, is a rugged yet refined perennial that has charmed gardeners for centuries. Native to a wide range of regions—including Europe, Asia, and North America—sedum thrives in rocky outcrops, alpine slopes, and sun-drenched meadows where little else dares to grow. Its name, derived from the Latin sedere ("to sit"), hints at its habit of sprawling across stones and walls, clinging to crags with a tenacity that belies its dainty blossoms. Ancient herbalists valued sedum for its purported wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Some varieties, like Sedum acre, were even used in small doses to treat skin ailments—though caution is wise, as not all species are safe for medicinal use today.

In the garden, sedum is nothing short of indispensable. Its succulent leaves store water, making it remarkably drought-tolerant—a hero in xeriscaping, green roofs, and rock gardens alike. Low-growing types like Sedum spurium or Sedum kamtschaticum make vibrant ground covers, while upright cultivars like Sedum 'Autumn Joy' burst into glorious bloom just as summer wanes, offering nectar to late-season pollinators. Sedum prefers full sun and well-draining soil; too much moisture or shade, and it may sulk or rot. Propagation is easy—simply snip a stem and nestle it in soil. Whether edging a border, topping a container, or brightening a neglected corner, sedum performs with steadfast grace.

Are you ready to bring the enduring charm of sedum into your landscape? Visit GoGardenNow.com to explore our hand-picked selection of hardy sedums and other drought-tolerant beauties. Don’t just grow a garden—build a legacy of resilience and color, one stonecrop at a time.

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Sempervivum: The Timeless Garden Guardian

 

Sempervivum, often called “hens and chicks,” is a hardy succulent steeped in folklore and resilience. Native to the mountains of southern Europe, particularly the Alps, Carpathians, and Pyrenees, Sempervivum gets its Latin name from semper (always) and vivum (living), a testament to its tenacity in poor soils and harsh climates. These plants formed green carpets on rocky roofs, dry stone walls, and churchyards, believed to ward off lightning and evil spirits—an old wives' tale that even Charlemagne reportedly took to heart, ordering them planted on every roof.

Beyond myth, Sempervivum offers practical beauty. Its rosettes range in color from silvery green to deep burgundy, often tinged by sun and season. Each "hen" sends out offsets—the “chicks”—spreading in tidy, low mats perfect for rock gardens, container arrangements, or edging paths. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, they thrive on neglect. Give them full sun, lean soil, and good drainage, and they’ll reward you for years without complaint. Water sparingly and avoid rich fertilizers, as too much pampering can lead to rot.

One little-known fact: Sempervivum is monocarpic—it blooms once, then dies. But don't mourn the mother rosette too long. Before her swan song, she sends out plenty of offspring to carry on her lineage. The star-shaped flowers, often pink or red, rise on tall stalks like a final salute to the sky. This curious lifecycle makes them an emblem of continuity and patience—ideal for gardeners who enjoy watching nature unfold in its own slow rhythm.

Sempervivum’s rustic charm, resilience, and low-maintenance needs make it a smart and soulful addition to any garden. Whether you're planting in alpine troughs, old teacups, stone steps, or roof tiles, these little survivors will find a way to flourish. Visit GoGardenNow.com to explore our curated collection of Sempervivum and let these ancient guardians bring enduring beauty to your garden. Let us know—where will your hens and chicks make their home?

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Tired of watering those window boxes and planters?

 

 

Tired of watering those planters and window boxes?

Here are three possible solutions. There could be more, but we’ll begin with these.

1. Add water-retentive gel to the planting mix. These flakes or crystals absorb up to 200x their weight in water, and release it into the soil as needed. This means you have to water less frequently. It also helps to prevent over-watering. Several brands are available on the market.
2. Apply mulch on top of the soil and between the plants. We use worn-out hanging basket and window box liners made of coconut coir. New liners eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Rather than throw the old ones away, tear them into patches and lay them out on top of the soil as small mats. Because they’re compressed, the patches tend to stay together, suppressing weeds and retaining moisture below. Coconut coir is used for other products, too. You may find it in upholstery stuffing.
3. Plant drought-tolerant perennials, small cacti and succulents in your planters. The less often you’d like to water, the more drought-tolerant the plants should be. This is, by far, the best solution, in my opinion. Cacti and succulents can produce beautifully vibrant foliage and flowers. They look rather exotic, as well.

So, consider these solutions when planning your window boxes and planters, especially if you intend to travel this summer.

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Behind the Garden Wall: Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park, FL

Sometimes hidden gardens present fine rewards. Such is the case with the Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Haven, Florida. Tucked behind a residential neighborhood, Mead Botanical Garden is a modest trove of tropical species.

Theodore Mead, age 22

The Garden opened in 1940 in honor of noted horticulturist Theodore L. Mead (1852 – 1936). Mead was a pioneer in breeding new varieties of tropicals such as caladiums, bromeliads, orchids, daylilies, amaryllis and crinums. He was also a butterfly aficionado, apprenticed to William Henry Edwards, author of The Butterflies of North America. Mead is appreciated for discovering more than 20 new species of North American butterflies.

Neoregelia carolinae

Theodore and his wife moved to Oviedo, Florida in 1881. Oviedo was formerly known as the Lake Jesup Community. There he built greenhouses, propagated epiphytes and other tropicals, planted a citrus grove and gardens.

South Florida Railroad Depot

He was a sort of pioneer in the area. This was the “Old Florida” that some of us love to read about. Central Florida was becoming more accessible, thanks to railroads such as Henry Plant’s South Florida Railroad from Sanford to Tampa, with a railroad link to Oviedo. The Steamboat, Volusia, plied the waters weekly from Sanford. Orlando was soon to be re-incorporated.

Florida steamboat

 Considerable interest in citrus production was being promoted. Orchards were being planted. 

Of course, transportation was needed. A historical marker, located at the boat ramp at the end of Black Hammock Fish Camp Rd, east of FL 417 and north of Oviedo, tells of some efforts.  

“The Lake Jesup Steamboat company was incorporated in 1882 by lake area fruit growers by acquiring the steamboat Isis. This shallow-draft flat-bottomed boat sank that same year north of here in Lake George, a part of the St. Johns River...

South Florida Railroad's Oviedo Depot

“In 1888, Oviedo orange growers formed the Oviedo, Lake Charm & Lake Jessup Railroad, with the proposed rails to end at Solary's Wharf. This line never operated, but it did serve as a ploy in forcing the South Florida Railroad to lower unfair rates for hauling fruit.” Theodore Mead, having a degree in Civil Engineering from Cornell University, might have been involved.

After Mead’s death in 1936, his orchid collection was bequeathed to Eagle Scout and protégé, Jack Connery. With the aid of Rollins College Professor Edwin Grover, an effort was begun to create the botanic garden in Winter Park on 40 donated acres, about 15 miles from Oviedo. This is the basis of the garden we enjoy today.

Mead Botanical Garden kiosk

Mead Botanical Garden is a pleasant diversion from the well-known area attractions. Most of it is well-kept. (There’s only so much that volunteers, non-profit corporations and city partnerships can do.) Even so, good camera angles can capture the best features.

The garden is bordered on two sides by Howell Creek and Lake Lillian Marsh. Short strolls provide good views of both. Other points of interest include a camellia and cycad collection, a wildflower garden, rose garden, hummingbird garden, greenhouse, lovely bromeliads and various venues for meetings, lectures and entertainment.

Follow me behind the garden wall.

Mussaenda erythrophylla

Succulent, Euphorbia and palm collection

Billbergia pyramidalis

Livistonia chinensis

Creek view

Boardwalk

Medinilla magnifica

Codiaenum variegatum

Clerodendrum thomsoniae

Bromeliad collection

Neoregelia carolinae

Aglaonema communtatum

Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri

Tradescantia spathacea

Creek view

Aristolochia macrophylla

Bletilla striata

 

Clerodendrum trichotomum

 

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Why is this called "Ice Plant"?

 

Delosperma cooperi aka Ice Plant

Q. Why is this called "Ice Plant"?

A. Delosperma cooperi is commonly known as Hardy Ice Plant. It's cold hardy into USDA Climate Zone 5. But its cold-hardiness is not the reason for the reference to ice. If you look closely at the slender foliage in the photograph above, you'll notice the glistening white surfaces. Upon examining with a magnifying lens, you'd see structures called epidermal bladder cells. These are what give Delosperma that ice-like glaze. 

Incidentally, Hardy Ice Plant is also known as Mesembryanthemum cooperi. Mesembryanthemum is a genus that grows well in dry, salty, sandy environments. It thrives in South Africa, the Mediterranean region, parts of North and South America. Travelers along the Pacific Coast Highway 1 will see it often.

Ice Plant doesn't have to grow in sandy soil, but gardeners who have it, or who live in dry coastal areas will appreciate its abilities. It's an amazing little plant. To deal with heat, Ice Plant closes little pores (stomata) under its leaves to retain moisture. If it isn't getting enough salt, it takes up airborne saline through its foliage to retain moisture. 

Mesembryanthemum leaves, flowers and seeds are edible. On top of that, the plant has medicinal qualities. It has been used to treat various ailments including liver, kidney and pneumonia. It is also used externally for skin treatment.

Hardy Ice Plant serves well as a ground cover in rock gardens, coastal and container gardens, succulent and cactus gardens, medicinal gardens, and xeriscapes. You should find a place for it in your garden.

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Behind The Garden Wall - Red Hills Desert Garden, St. George, Utah

Follow me to see what grows behind the garden wall.

The Red Hills Desert Garden is aptly named, as you can see. Situated on about 5 acres located above the city of St. George, Utah, the garden is described as "beautiful and smart." "Beautiful" because of its attractive layout and enchanting desert plant collection; "smart" because the garden "uses an average of five million gallons of water less per year than a traditional turf landscape. That’s enough water to support 50 average American homes for a year." 

Red Hills Desert Garden - opened in 2015 - is Utah’s first desert conservation garden, a collaboration of Washington County Water Conservancy District, City of St. George and Virgin River Program. It was established to showcase the beauty of a water-wise landscape, and to provide information to homeowners and businesses about designing, installing and maintaining one. It helps that the garden signage is well-placed and clear.

Simple fascinations

You'd think that such an exhibit would be a dull place to visit, but it's not. We were there on a Sunday afternoon. There were many families strolling about, picnicking nearby, and kids having the time of their lives. Certain features captivated the children most: dinosaur tracks, the meandering stream, and areas off the designated paths.

These attractions, of course, kept their parents occupied with scolding, "Get off the dinosaur tracks", "¡Sal del agua!", and "Come back here RIGHT NOW! NOW! I'LL COUNT TO THREE!" Then they'd demonstrate their arithmetical skills, and threaten to do it again.

Chilopsis linearis

I had a child-like fascination with the plants. Some, like the Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora), Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis), Prickly Pears (Opuntia spp), and Chollas (Cylindropuntia spp) I soon realized are ubiquitous in the environment. But they interested me, nevertheless.

Recurring questions

I wondered about those dinosaur tracks. What were they doing around here?

More than that, though, I wondered about the plants. Many of the landscapes in the American southwest feature plants are well-known to me - Agave, Lantana, Oleander, Yucca, Barrel Cactus, Prickly Pear Cactus, Parkinsonia and Vitex.

Agave americana var. marginata

Parkinsonia florida

Vitex agnus-castus

The recurring question in my mind was whether many of the native or otherwise unfamiliar plants would thrive in the hot, humid coastal Georgia climate. I already knew that some do - Prickly Pear cactus, for instance. What about some others in this garden?

Problem solving

About the dinosaur tracks. Seen from the air, the area around and above the Red Hills Desert Garden looks like a dried up mud flat. I'm guessing those lizards were wandering around when conditions were more clement and left their tracks in the muck. Or, perhaps they were looking for water when it was becoming scarce. The climate was changing - as usual - and the region becoming more arid. Eventually, the mud dried, and the impressions turned to stone.

We're not in such dire straits, but Lord knows we coastal plain gardeners would have fewer worries and fatter pocketbooks if we didn't have to irrigate our plots so much. During some summers, the crispy grass under our feet is an immediate concern.

Not only does summer heat and occasional drought cause problems, some of us have poor, sandy soil. There are deer to contend with, and even some 2-legged trespassers. I asked myself, "Self, are there any plants commonly used in the southwest - native or otherwise - that might solve some of our problems back home?"

Here are some plants I saw at Red Hills Desert Garden that I think would be most likely to adapt to the climate at the southeastern edge of our continent. In addition to being drought tolerant, some might be deer resistant, and those armed with spines might deter trespassers.

Caesalpinia gilliesii

Cereus peruvianus

Agave parryi var. parryi

Agave parryi var. truncata

Euphorbia rigida

Gazania rigens 'Sun Gold'

Malephora lutea

Oenothera speciosa 'Siskiyou'

Opuntia violacea var. santa rita

Yucca rostrata

Zinnia acerosa

Zinnia acerosa

Would they adapt? What do you think? Do you have experience with any of these? Leave a comment.