Featured

Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

New arrivals

What we're loving now

Gifts

Perennials

Trees

Shrubs

Conifers

Ferns

Succulents

Grasses / grass like

Groundcovers

Vines

Herbs, fruits & vegetables

Annuals & Biennials

Bamboos

Palms & cycads

Garden vibe

Flower and fruit colors

Foliage colors

Soil types

Water needs

Gardening with wildlife

Special situations

Sun exposure

Houseplants

Spring flowers

Summer flowers

Fall flowers

Colorful fall foliage

Winter flowers

Winter interest

Evergreens

Distinctive bark

Shop nurseries with current availability

California & southwestern nurseries

Oregon nurseries

Washington nurseries

Midwest nurseries

Northeast nurseries

Southern nurseries

Nurseries outside of the US

Garden Educators

All new arrivals

Perennials

Ferns

Cacti and succulents

Groundcovers

Bulbs, corms and tubers

Epimediums (Fairy Wings)

Hamamelis (Witch Hazels)

Helleborus (Hellebores)

Hostas

Hydrangeas

Acers (Maples)

Magnolias

Gift cards

Air plants

Succulents

Houseplants

All Perennials

Aquatic

Aroids

Bulbs/corms/tubers

All trees

Deciduous

Evergreens

Conifers

Broadleaf

Broadleaf evergreens

Street trees

Fragrant trees

Flowering trees

All shrubs

Deciduous

Evergreens

Conifers

Broadleaf

Broadleaf evergreen

Green flowers

Blue & purple flowers

Black flowers

White flowers

Pink flowers

Red flowers

Orange flowers

Yellow flowers

All conifers

Trees

Shrubs

Groundcovers

Dwarf conifers

Variegated

Rosy tones

Blue / silver foliage

Green foliage

Gold & chartreuse

All ferns

For shade

For sun

Tree ferns

Variegated

Blush tones

Gold and chartreuse

Green

Blue

All cacti & succulents

Hardy cacti & succulents

All bromeliads

For sun

For shade

Houseplants

Variegated

Blush tones

Green

Golds & chartreuses

Silvers / blues

All grasses / grass-like

For sun

For shade

Evergreens

Deciduous

Variegated

Blush foliage

Purple, brown & black foliage

Gold and chartreuse foliage

Green foliage

Blue foliage

All groundcovers

Evergreen

Deciduous

Succulents

For sun

For shade

All vines

For sun

For shade

White flowers

Pink and red flowers

Orange and peach flowers

Yellow flowers

Green flowers

Blue, purple & black flowers

Fruit trees and shrubs

Fruits & vegetable plants

Herbs

All annuals & biennials

All bamboos

All palms and cycads

Tropical style

Cottage garden style

Rock garden

Cutting garden

Woodland garden

Fragrance garden

White flowers

Pink flowers

Red flowers

Orange

Yellow flowers

Green flowers

Blue flowers

Purple flowers

Burgundy flowers

Black flowers

Bronze flowers

Variegated foliage

Pink foliage

Red foliage

Bronze & apricot foliage

Gold foliage

Chartreuse foliage

Green foliage

Wet soil

Clay soil

Acidic soil

Alkaline soil

Lean soil

Gritty soil

Rocky soil

Standing water

Even moisture

Frequent water

Regular water

Occasional water

Low water

Wildlife friendly

Bird friendly

Hummingbird friendly

Butterfly friendly

Bee friendly

Beneficial insect friendly

Good for hedges

Good for trellises

Good for edging

Good for bonsai

Good for containers

Sun

Mostly sun

Bright shade

Dappled shade

Mostly shade

Shade

All houseplants

Aroids

Bromeliads

Bulbs, corms & tubers

Ferns

Orchids

Perennials

Shrubs / small trees

Succulents

Vines

All spring flowers

Trees and shrubs

Annuals and perennials

Cacti and succulents

Groundcovers

Grass-like plants

Vines

Bulbs / corms / tubers

All summer flowers

Trees and shrubs

Annuals and perennials

Cacti and succulents

Groundcovers

Grass-like plants

Vines

Bulbs / corms / tubers

All fall flowers

Trees and shrubs

Annuals and perennials

Cacti and succulents

Groundcovers

Grass-like plants

Vines

Bulbs / corms / tubers

All fall foliage

Trees

Shrubs

Perennials

Conifers

Grass-like plants

Groundcovers

Vines

All winter flowers

Trees and shrubs

Bulbs / corms / tubers

Perennials

All winter interest

Trees

Shrubs

Perennials

All evergreens

All broadleaf evergreens

Broadleaf evergreen trees

Broadleaf evergreen shrubs

Broadleaf evergreen perennials

Broadleaf evergreen groundcovers

Broadleaf evergreen herbs

Broadleaf evergreen vines

All plants with distinctive bark

Trees

Shrubs

Andesite Native Plants

Bloom River Gardens

Cistus Nursery

Conifer Kingdom

Dry Oasis Plants

Gossler Farms

Hydrangeas Plus

Forestfarm

Red Panda Nursery

Waltzing Matilija

Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Cactus Jungle

Digging Dog Nursery

Eden's blooms

Native Sons

Succulent Gardens

The Watershed Nursery

Dancing Oaks Nursery

Daryll's Nursery

Edelweiss Perennials

Flat Creek Nursery

Garden World

Heritage Seedlings

Jockey Hill Nursery

Little Prince

Mini Forest By Sky

Oregon Grown Tree Farms

Briggs Plant Propagators

Desert Jewels Nursery

Far Reaches Farm

Keeping it Green Nursery

Kigi Nursery

Kiona Native Plants

Lael's Moon Garden

Arrowhead Alpines

Boehm's Garden Center

Botanophilia

Chicagoland Grows® Plant Introduction Program

Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

Avant Gardens

Accents for Home and Garden

jiovi® at Foxgreen Farm

Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

Morrison's Home and Garden

Summersweet Gardens at Perennial Pleasures

Almost Eden

Bat Cave Botanicals

Brantley Palms

Brian's Botanicals

Brushwood Nursery

Edens Blooms

Far South Wholesale

Florida Hill Nursery

Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd. (Canada)

The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Chicagoland Grows® Plant Introduction Program

Plant Select®

Trees

Conifers

Fruits and vegetables

Shrubs

Agaves (Century Plants)

Aloe

Opuntias (Prickly Pears)

Sempervivums (Hens and Chicks)

Sedums (Stonecrops)

Acers / Maples

Acer palmatum / Japanese maples

Cornus / Dogwoods

Hamamelis / Witch hazels

Magnolias

Osmanthus

Quercus / Oaks

Stewartias

Arctostaphylos / Manzanitas

Berberis & Mahonias

Buxus / Boxwoods

Camellias

Daphnes

Hamamelis / Witch Hazels

Hebes / Veronicas

Hydrangeas

Magnolias

Rhododendrons & Azaleas

Viburnums

Abies / Firs

Cedrus / Cedars

Chamaecyparis / Cypress

Cryptomeria / Japanese Cedars

Juniperus / Junipers

Picea / Spruces

Pinus / Pines

Taxus / Yews

Thuja / Arborvitaes

Tsuga / Hemlocks

Adiantums / Maidenhair ferns

Athyriums / Lady ferns

Aspleniums / Bird's nests & more

Blechnums / Hard ferns

Dryopteris / Wood ferns

Osmundas

Polypodiums

Polystichums / Shield Ferns

Agaves / Century plants

Aloes

Crassulas

Delospermas / ice plants

Echeverias

Mangaves

Opuntias / Prickly pears

Tillandsias / Air plants

Sedums / stonecrops

Sempervivums / Hens and chicks

Acorus / Sweet flags

Carex / Sedges

Liripoes / Lily Turfs

Ophiopogons / Mondo grasses

Phormiums / New Zealand Flaxes

Spring flowering

Summer flowering

Fall flowering

Winter flowering

Aristolochia / Dutchman's pipe

Hydrangeas

White fruit

Pink fruit

Red fruit

Orange fruit

Yellow fruit

Green fruit

Blue fruit

Purple fruit

Black fruit

Blue foliage

Burgundy foliage

Purple foliage

Black foliage

Fall color

Well-drained soil

Rich soil

Average soil

Adaptable to different soils

Drought tolerant

Dry in winter

Dry in summer

Deer resistant

Slug and snail resistant

Rabbit resistant

Heat tolerant

Humidity tolerant

Pollution tolerant

Seaside / salt tolerant

Erosion control

Wind tolerant

Verticillium wilt resistant

Tillandsias / Air plants

Aloes

Crassulas

Echeverias

Haworthias

Philodendrons

White

Pink

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue and purple

Black

Tan and chocolate

Burgundy

White

Pink

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue and purple

Black

Tan and chocolate

Burgundy

White

Pink

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue and purple

Black

Chocolate and tan

Burgundy

White

Pink

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue and purple

Black

Chocolate and tan

Burgundy

All evergreen conifers

Dwarf conifers

Conifer trees

Conifer shrubs

Conifer groundcovers

Variegated conifers

Silver and blue conifers

Blushing conifers

Gold and chartreuse conifers

Classic green conifers

Maples N More Nursery

Sebright Gardens

Secret Garden Growers

Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Noname Nursery

Oregon Palm Nursery

Pomarius Nursery

Premier Landscaping & Yard Care

Rare Plant Research

Shinglehouse Nursery and Design

Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.

Thicket

Thompson's Nursery

Treephoria

Whitman Farms

Young's Garden Gift & Pond

Rhododendron Species Foundation

The Desert Northwest

Two Green Thumbs Miniatures

Wanderlust Nursery

Maplestone Ornamentals

Old House Gardens

Prairie Nursery

Hewitt Garden and Design Center

jensfarm maples

The Kinsey Family Farm

Paradise Found Nursery

Tidwell Nurseries

Utility Research Garden

Violetsblew

Photo of Othonna capensis flower by Panayoti Kelaidis

Photo by Panayoti Kelaidis

Photo of Othonna capensis foliage by J.G. in SF

Photo of Othonna capensis flower by Far Out Flora

Photo of Othonna capensis foliage by Far Out Flora

Othonna capensis

Also Known As

Othonna capensis 'Little Pickles'
Little Pickles

Plant type

cactus / succulent, groundcover

size

H: 4"
W: 1'

planting zones

6a-10b

More Options

Othonna capensis plant details

Othonna capensis is an evergreen groundcover cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees and beneficial insects making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Othonna capensis

Plant type: groundcover cactus / succulent
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 0 IN - 1 FT - wide, 0 IN - 4 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Othonna capensis

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

About Othonna

Othonna is a diverse genus in the Asteraceae, or aster family.

How to care for Othonna capensis

One of the hardiest members of the genus, hardy down to zone 5. Grows best in full sun, with little water, and well-drained soil.

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

New and different! this S. Africa native is delightful as groundcover or hanging basket where its succulent ?little pickle? leaves and many tiny yellow flowers on trailing stems make a great display. S/M

By: Forestfarm

Othonna capensis, otherwise known as little pickles, is an extremely hardy South African groundcovering succulent with blue-green, nearly tubular, leaves held vertically that grow in spreading mats like a collection of little bluish pickles. Though it looks like an ice plant this species hails from the Aster Family and sports cute bright yellow daisies from late spring through fall. Grow in sharp drainage in full sun.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Yes, the succulent leaves do look a bit like little pickles, a bit like an ice plant. Evergreen succulent with surprisingly large, daisy-like, yellow flowers from mid spring through autumn. Forms patches 6" tall x 1-3 ft across wherever drainage is great and the light is bright. Likes a bit of summer moisture but prefers to be dryish in winter so....that drainage needs to be good. Easily frost hardy to 20F, USDA zone 9, much colder if dry in winter.

By: Cistus Nursery

Unusual trailing succulent with leaves that do perhaps resemble little pickles. These 2" succulent cylinders are pale blue-green and clustered along spreading stems. Bright yellow daisy-like flowers appear in summer, but for most plant enthusiasts the unusual foliage is gift enough. Plant in full sun in well-drained gritty soil and provide moderate water. Plants are marginally hardy but do not fare well when cold temperatures are combined with wet soils. Plant in hanging baskets, along dry stone walls, or in decorative containers to enjoy this odd little wonder. Hardy to 20F. South Africa.

By: Native Sons

Othonna capensis, known as "little pickles or African Ice Plant". Tiny bluish green succulent leaves resemble miniature pickles. Likes very well drained soil and blooms all summer with dainty yellow daisies. A vining growing habit makes a great ground cover 2" tall . Needs sun. Hardy to zone 6 provided the soil is well drained.

By: Accents for Home and Garden

There are many methods employed by plants for coping with dry conditions, and storing moisture in swollen leaves or stems (that is, being a succulent) is one of these. However, this strategy is little used in the daisy family, now called the Asteraceae, but formerly known as the Compositae. This is a very large family found all around the world, with well over a thousand genera, but succulence is notable in only two of these: Senecio and Othonna. Othonnas are mostly native to southern Africa, and they are particularly concentrated in the winter-rainfall areas of western South Africa and adjacent southern Namibia. Many of them have succulent stems, with plump bases that make them attractive as bonsai subjects, but a few have succulent leaves. One of the latter is Othonna capensis, a ground-hugging creeper with fat green leaves and small bright-yellow daisy flowers. The term “ capensis” means “from the Cape”, and is frequently used for plants originating in the southwest corner of Africa, near the Cape of Good Hope. This is the case with O. capensis, but it should be noted that some plants bearing this title come from other capes in other parts of the world. Othonna capensis has branching slender stems which trail outward, rooting where they come into contact with soil. The newer leaves look like light green jellybeans, while the older ones lower down on the stem are longer (up to about an inch, or 2½ cm) and resemble miniature chubby fingers. This species is very free-flowering and is in bloom most of the year, but the flowers are particularly abundant in the winter months. As with other daisies, the floral heads give the appearance of being a single flower, when in fact they are a cluster of tiny flowers. These heads are about ½ inch (1¼ cm) across.

By: The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Small, low-growing frost-hardy groundcover succulent daisy. Hardy to -10 °F.

By: Cactus Jungle

Yellow flowers. Pickle-shaped green foliage.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

Super cute?? Check. Super hardy?? Double check. Great name? For sure. Watch the blue-green (pickle shaped) leaves of this hardy succulent groundcover blush a purple red under stress & I’m sure you’ll be smitten, too. Happy yellow daisy flowers lend their cheer over a very long season – Spring-Fall. In the ground, a little extra drainage is advised, as too much Winter wet leaves the plant in a sorry, sulking state. In the rock garden or in pots, it shines! Leaves grow no more that 2” tall, flowers no more than 4”. Spread is usually around 8”. Pair with Orostachys iwarenge to double your cuteness! From the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa.