Photo of Drosanthemum speciosum flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Drosanthemum speciosum

Also Known As

  • Dew Flower Ice Plant

Plant type

shrub, cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 2'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Drosanthemum speciosum plant details

Drosanthemum speciosum is an evergreen cactus / succulent or shrub with green foliage. In spring orange, pink, red and yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Does well in gritty and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Drosanthemum speciosum

Plant type: cactus / succulent or shrub
Plant family: aizoaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 2 FT tall
Flowers: orange, pink, red and yellow blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Drosanthemum speciosum

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Soil needs: gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Yet another amazing ice plant from the Cape of South Africa, best seen in the National Botanical Garden at Worcester where the hills become florescent with orange and orange-yellow flowers in September. In mild areas of the West Coast, USDA zone 9 or above, this makes a wonderful 2-3' shrub with narrow 1/2” green leaves, flowering in spring and sporadically thereafter. A great pot plant elsewhere. As with all ice plants can be root bound for eons with no ill effects. Requires winter water but is able to withstand dry summers. Aizoaceae
Want to fire up your garden? This Drosanthemum has hot-colored flowers that can’t be ignored. The brilliant flowers come in reds, oranges, yellows & pinks, & smother this 2’ x 3’ shrub when it is in full bloom. Called “Dew Flower” because of the water cells in the leaves that make them look as if they have been misted with water. These water cells act as a protection against drought. In face it is best to keep this plant on the drier side in Summer – perfect for our Mediterranean climate. Native to the Western Cape of South Africa, Drosanthemum is fast growing & best with well-drained soil. Longer lived & longer blooming than Drosanthemum bicolor, too! Yay! The folks in South Africa refer to Drosanthemum plants as “municipal workers” since the flowers open at around 9:00 & close around 5:00.

Gardening facts about Drosanthemum speciosum plant

How to Grow Drosanthemum speciosum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • red
    • orange
    • yellow
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

Landscape groups by tags

Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved