Ruschia namaquana

Also Known As

Ice Plant

Plant type

shrub, cactus / succulent

size

H: 1'-2'
W: 1'-2'

planting zones

8a-11

Ruschia namaquana plant details

Ruschia namaquana is a semi-evergreen cactus / succulent or shrub with blue foliage. In summer purple flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ruschia namaquana

Plant type: cactus / succulent or shrub
Plant family: aizoaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, rock garden, showy, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ruschia namaquana

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Shrub to about 2 feet with clasping succulent leaves giving it the appearance of a strange sea creature rather than a desert shrub. One of the first succulents Sean received as a child from a defunct succulent nursery in the San Joaquin valley. Very drought tolerant as its Namaqualand origins would indicate, though it prefers to be damp in the winter for best growth. Full sun. Excellent pot specimen. Reliably hardy to just a bit under 20 °F, uppermost USDA zone 8; colder with protection.