Drosanthemum speciosum

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.