12 Best Ice Plant Ground Cover Species Tough, Colorful, and Drought-Proof Varieties

There is a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from finding a plant that thrives where others fail. If you have a dry, sun-baked slope, a rocky coastal bank, or a stretch of sandy soil that has defeated every other planting attempt — ice plant ground cover may be exactly what you have been looking for.

Ice plants are among the most visually striking and useful ground covers available to gardeners in warm, dry climates. Their jewel-bright flowers, succulent foliage, and near-indestructible nature have made them a staple of Mediterranean gardens, California landscapes, South African coastal regions, and drought-tolerant planting schemes worldwide.

But “ice plant” is not a single plant. It is a broad common name applied to several different species from related genera — and understanding the differences between them is essential before you plant. 

Some are well-behaved garden plants. Others have become invasive concerns in certain regions. This guide covers everything you need to know about ice plant ground cover — the best species and varieties, how to grow and care for them, where they perform best.

What Is Ice Plant Ground Cover?

The name “ice plant” comes from the tiny, glistening structures on the surface of the leaves that catch sunlight and appear to sparkle like ice crystals or frost. It is a charming and accurate description — on a bright morning, a mat of ice plant does genuinely glitter.

Most plants called ice plant belong to the family Aizoaceae and originate primarily from South Africa. The main genera used as ground covers are:

• Delosperma — the most widely used and best-behaved garden ice plants
• Carpobrotus — large, vigorous coastal plants, invasive in many regions
• Lampranthus — South African species popular in warm-climate gardens
• Drosanthemum — delicate-looking but tough spreading plants

All share the same key traits: succulent, moisture-storing leaves, brilliant daisy-like flowers, tolerance of heat and drought, and a spreading, mat-forming growth habit that makes them effective ground covers.

Key Benefits of Ice Plant Ground Cover

Before diving into specific species, it is worth understanding what makes ice plant ground cover so appealing to so many gardeners.

• Exceptional drought tolerance. Ice plants store water in their fleshy leaves, allowing them to survive extended dry periods without irrigation. This makes them invaluable in low-water gardens and drought-prone regions.
• Brilliant, long-lasting flowers. Few ground covers produce flowers as vivid and prolific as ice plants. Colours include magenta, orange, yellow, red, pink, purple, and white — often in intensities that border on neon.
• Effective erosion control. Their dense, spreading root systems bind soil effectively on slopes and banks, reducing erosion from wind and rain.
• Weed suppression. Once established, ice plant forms a mat dense enough to shade out most weed seedlings. This significantly reduces ongoing garden maintenance.
• Low maintenance after establishment. Beyond the initial planting and watering period, most ice plant ground covers ask very little of the gardener.

The Best Ice Plant Ground Cover Species and Varieties

1. Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)

This is the ice plant that most gardeners in temperate climates know best, and for excellent reason. Delosperma cooperi is the most cold-hardy of all ice plant species, extending the range of ice plant gardening well beyond its traditional warm-climate base.

It produces an abundance of vivid magenta-purple flowers from early summer through to first frost — one of the longest blooming seasons of any ground cover. The flowers open in sunlight and close at night or on cloudy days, which gives the planting a dynamic, living quality.

The succulent leaves remain green and attractive throughout the growing season and take on interesting reddish tints as temperatures drop in autumn.

It spreads at a steady, manageable pace, forming mats 6–12 inches tall and 12–24 inches wide. It is not invasive and is easy to control if it begins to spread beyond its intended area.

Best for: rock gardens, sunny slopes, dry borders, and front-of-border plantings in cold to warm climates.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–9.

2. Yellow Ice Plant (Delosperma nubigenum)

Yellow ice plant is one of the most cold-hardy ice plant species available. It produces golden-yellow flowers in early to mid-spring — earlier than most of its relatives — and the floral display is generous and bright.

The foliage is particularly attractive. Tiny, cylindrical leaves form a dense, ground-hugging mat that takes on vivid red-bronze tints in winter, providing year-round visual interest even when the plant is not in flower.

This plant grows very low — rarely exceeding 2–3 inches in height — which makes it one of the best choices for planting between stepping stones, along path edges, or in areas where a truly flat cover is needed.

It tolerates temperatures well below freezing when planted in well-drained soil, making it suitable for surprisingly cold climates.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9.

3. Mesa Verde Ice Plant (Delosperma ‘Mesa Verde’)

‘Mesa Verde’ is a hybrid Delosperma that has gained considerable popularity in recent years, particularly in North American gardens. Its flowers open in a soft salmon-orange at the edges, deepening to a warm pink-coral at the centre — an unusual two-toned effect that distinguishes it from the more commonly seen solid-colour varieties.

It blooms prolifically from late spring to autumn and maintains attractive, dense foliage between flushes. It is notably heat-tolerant and performs well in the hot, dry summers of the Mountain West and High Plains regions of the United States.

It spreads reliably without becoming invasive, which makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who want coverage without the worry of it escaping into natural areas.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9.

4. Fire Spinner Ice Plant (Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’)

‘Fire Spinner’ is one of the most visually dramatic ice plant cultivars available. Its flowers cycle through orange, pink, and purple from the centre outward, creating a multi-coloured effect that is genuinely stunning when the planting is in full bloom.

It was selected and introduced by Plant Select — a Colorado-based plant introduction program — and has been evaluated specifically for performance in cold, dry climates. It handles freezing winters, alkaline soils, and intense summer heat reliably.

Like other Delosperma cultivars, it is non-invasive and easy to manage. It is a strong performer in rock gardens and dry-climate border plantings.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9.

5. White Ice Plant (Delosperma ‘Kelaidis’ / ‘Alba’)

For gardeners who prefer a more restrained colour palette, white-flowering ice plant cultivars offer a clean, crisp alternative to the more vivid pinks and oranges.

The white flowers are produced in generous quantities and sit beautifully against the bright green succulent foliage. They work particularly well in silver-and-white themed plantings or as a calming contrast to bolder-coloured neighbours.

White ice plant performs as reliably as coloured varieties — tolerating drought, heat, and poor soil with the same equanimity. It is one of the most elegant options in the ice plant family, though it is sometimes harder to find in garden centres than more colourful cultivars.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–9.

6. Trailing Ice Plant (Lampranthus spectabilis)

Moving into the Lampranthus genus, trailing ice plant is a South African native that is widely used in warm-climate gardens across California, the Mediterranean, Australia, and New Zealand.

It produces masses of brilliantly coloured flowers — typically purple, magenta, or pink — in late winter and spring. The display can be genuinely overwhelming in its intensity. A slope covered in flowering Lampranthus is one of the most striking sights in the warm-climate garden.

It grows taller than most Delosperma species — reaching 12–15 inches — and spreads vigorously. In frost-free climates, it is a reliable, fast-spreading cover for slopes and banks.

It does not tolerate hard frost, so it is best suited to climates that remain above freezing in winter.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11.

7. Rosea Ice Plant (Drosanthemum floribundum)

Rosea ice plant is a South African native that produces a carpet of pale pink flowers so dense that the foliage beneath them is barely visible at peak bloom. The flowering display in spring is one of the most spectacular of any ice plant species.

It grows vigorously in warm, coastal, and Mediterranean climates, forming mats that spread outward efficiently. Its tolerance of salt spray makes it particularly valuable in seaside and coastal garden settings where many other plants struggle.

It prefers sandy, well-drained soils and full sun. Once established, it requires virtually no supplemental watering in mild climates.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11.

8. Purple Ice Plant (Drosanthemum speciosum)

Purple ice plant, also called red ice plant or orange ice plant depending on the variety, is a dense, spreading South African species with brilliant orange-red flowers that appear in spring and early summer.

The flowers are large and intensely coloured, making this one of the most visually impactful ice plants when grown on a sun-facing bank or slope. The foliage is grey-green and succulent, remaining attractive outside the flowering season.

It spreads assertively and works well for rapid coverage of large, difficult areas such as roadside embankments and steep hillsides in warm, dry climates.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11.

9. Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus edulis)

Hottentot fig is the largest and most vigorous of all commonly planted ice plants. Its fleshy, triangular leaves and large yellow or pink flowers are familiar to anyone who has walked along the California coast, the Mediterranean shoreline, or the coasts of southern Australia.

It is extremely effective at binding sandy, coastal soils and controlling erosion on steep banks. Its fruit is edible — used in jams and preserves — which adds another dimension to its value.

However, Carpobrotus edulis is listed as an invasive species in California, parts of the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, Australia, and several other regions. It outcompetes native coastal vegetation aggressively and can fundamentally alter the ecology of natural areas.

Before planting Hottentot fig, check its status with your local environmental authority. In many regions, planting it in or near natural areas is strongly discouraged or prohibited.

Where it is appropriate and managed, it remains one of the most effective large-scale ground covers available.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11.

10. Iceplant (Carpobrotus chilensis)

A close relative of Hottentot fig, Carpobrotus chilensis — sometimes called sea fig — is native to coastal Chile and Peru. It produces smaller pink-purple flowers and is similarly vigorous in its growth habit.

It shares the same invasive concerns as C. edulis in coastal California and similar ecosystems. The two species also hybridise freely, which complicates management and identification in the field.

For home garden use away from sensitive natural habitats, it provides excellent, fast-spreading coastal ground cover. Its deep-rooting habit is particularly effective for stabilising sandy cliffs and dune systems where erosion is a serious concern.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11.

11. Bush Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum)

Also known as common ice plant, this annual or short-lived perennial species is the plant that originally gave the ice plant family its name. The glistening, water-filled cells on its leaves and stems genuinely look like frost crystals in bright light — a striking visual effect.

It is less commonly used as a permanent ground cover and more frequently grown as an annual in gardens outside its native South African range. However, in the right conditions, it self-seeds freely and can provide seasonal ground coverage.

It is edible — the leaves have been used as a vegetable and salt substitute in South Africa for centuries. This makes it interesting beyond its ornamental value.

Hardiness: Annual; perennial in USDA Zones 10–11.

12. Delosperma ‘Jewel of Desert’ Series

The ‘Jewel of Desert’ series represents some of the most recent and sophisticated ice plant breeding. Multiple cultivars are available, including ‘Garnet’, ‘Moonstone’, ‘Opal’, ‘Peridot’, ‘Ruby’, and ‘Topaz’ — each named for a gemstone and each producing flowers in a corresponding colour.

These cultivars have been selected for exceptional flowering performance, compact growth, and improved cold-hardiness. They bloom from late spring through to autumn, making them among the longest-flowering ground cover plants available at any price point.

They are well-suited to container planting as well as in-ground use, giving them flexibility that older varieties lack. In the right conditions, they are outstanding performers.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–9.

Is Ice Plant Ground Cover Invasive?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions about ice plant, and it deserves a direct, honest answer.

Some ice plant species are invasive. Others are not.

The key distinction falls primarily between genera:

Carpobrotus species — particularly C. edulis and C. chilensis — are listed as invasive in California, parts of Australia, the Mediterranean, South Africa’s Western Cape, and the Canary Islands. They spread aggressively in coastal ecosystems and outcompete native plant communities. If you live near natural coastal areas, these species should be avoided entirely.

Delosperma species and cultivars are generally considered non-invasive and well-behaved in garden settings. They spread at a manageable rate, do not naturalise into wild areas aggressively, and are safe to plant in most gardens without environmental concern.

Lampranthus and Drosanthemum species fall somewhere in between — well-behaved in managed garden settings but potentially problematic in Mediterranean-climate regions adjacent to natural vegetation.

Always check with your local cooperative extension office or environmental authority before planting any ice plant species, particularly if your garden borders natural land.

Where Does Ice Plant Ground Cover Grow Best?

Ice plant ground cover is not a universal solution. It thrives in specific conditions, and understanding these helps you decide whether it is right for your garden.

Climate

Delosperma species are the most climate-flexible, handling USDA Zones 4–9 with the right drainage. Lampranthus, Drosanthemum, and Carpobrotus species prefer Zone 9–11 climates — essentially frost-free or near frost-free conditions.

Sun

All ice plants require full sun. They will not flower adequately in partial shade and will decline in deep shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is the minimum for acceptable performance.

Soil

Excellent drainage is essential. Ice plants perform brilliantly in sandy, rocky, and gravelly soils where drainage is naturally fast. In clay or poorly drained soils, they are almost certain to fail — particularly in wet winters.

Coastal areas

Most ice plant species are native to coastal South Africa and are naturally adapted to salt air, sandy soils, and coastal exposure. They are among the best ground covers available for seaside gardens.

Slopes and banks

The spreading, rooting habit of ice plants makes them highly effective for erosion control on slopes. Their root systems bind sandy and gravelly soils well.

How to Plant Ice Plant Ground Cover

Getting ice plant established correctly makes a significant difference to long-term performance.

1. Prepare the planting site well. Improve drainage if needed by incorporating coarse grit or gravel into the top 6–8 inches of soil. Avoid adding rich compost — ice plants prefer lean soils.
2. Plant in spring when soil has warmed and frost risk has passed. In mild climates, early autumn planting also works well.
3. Space plants 12–18 inches apart for most Delosperma varieties. More vigorous species like Lampranthus and Carpobrotus can be spaced 18–24 inches apart.
4. Water after planting, then reduce watering progressively over the first 4–6 weeks. The goal is to encourage deep rooting, not to keep the surface moist.
5. Mulch lightly with gravel or grit rather than organic mulch. This reflects heat upward (which ice plants appreciate), improves drainage at the crown, and reduces the risk of crown rot.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Once established, ice plant ground cover is genuinely low maintenance. There are, however, a few practices that keep it healthy and looking its best.

Water sparingly. Established ice plants in most climates need no supplemental irrigation except during prolonged extreme drought. Overwatering is the most common cause of ice plant failure.

Trim after flowering. A light trim after the main flowering flush removes spent flower stems, encourages fresh growth, and keeps the mat tidy. Avoid cutting into old, woody stems — work only within the soft, current-season growth.

Remove dead patches promptly. In poorly drained or wet conditions, patches may rot in winter. Remove these, improve drainage in the affected area, and the surrounding planting will typically fill back in.

No regular feeding is needed. In very poor soils, a single light application of low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring is sufficient. Do not over-fertilise — it produces soft, disease-prone growth.

Watch for and address mealybugs if they appear, particularly in warm, dry conditions. A forceful jet of water or insecticidal soap is usually sufficient treatment.

Ice Plant Ground Cover in Different Garden Styles

Ice plant is versatile enough to work in several distinct garden design contexts.

Mediterranean and drought-tolerant gardens are the most natural home for ice plant. Their origin, appearance, and cultural requirements all align perfectly with this garden style.

Coastal gardens benefit from ice plant’s natural tolerance of salt spray, sandy soils, and wind exposure. On cliffs, dunes, and seafront banks, they are among the hardiest and most attractive options available.

Rock gardens and gravel gardens provide the fast drainage that ice plants need. Lower-growing Delosperma varieties are particularly well-suited to these settings.

Slope and embankment planting is one of the most practical applications. Ice plants bind soil, reduce erosion, require no irrigation system, and look visually attractive on difficult terrain.

Xeriscape and water-wise gardens — increasingly important as water restrictions become more common in dry regions — are an ideal context for ice plant. Few plants deliver as much visual impact with as little water.

Potential Drawbacks to Be Aware Of

No plant is perfect for every situation. Ice plant has real limitations that are worth knowing before you plant.

• Cold sensitivity. With the exception of Delosperma species, most ice plants are frost-tender. In climates with hard winters, they will die back or die entirely if not protected or treated as annuals.
• Invasive risk in certain regions. As discussed above, Carpobrotus and some other species can become ecologically damaging in the wrong locations. This is a serious consideration, not a minor footnote.
• Poor performance in shade or wet conditions. Ice plants simply do not tolerate shade or waterlogged soil. These are non-negotiable requirements.
• Short-lived in some conditions. In climates at the edge of their hardiness range, ice plants — particularly Delosperma — may be short-lived perennials rather than long-term fixtures. Replacing or refreshing plantings every 3–5 years may be necessary.

A Personal Observation

I have always found ice plant ground cover to be one of those plants that divides gardeners more than most. Some see them as the ideal solution to a difficult site. Others worry — rightly, in some cases — about their spreading potential.

The truth, as usual, sits in the middle. Used in the right place, with the right species, ice plant ground covers are extraordinary performers. Used carelessly in the wrong location, they can cause real problems.

The answer is not to avoid them, but to choose wisely. The Delosperma varieties on this list are safe, beautiful, and genuinely rewarding. They are among the best ground cover plants available for sunny, dry, well-drained gardens — and their flowering season alone makes them worth every consideration.

Quick Reference: Ice Plant by Climate Zone

Species	Hardiness Zone	Invasive Risk	Best Use
Delosperma cooperi	Zones 5–9	Low	Rock gardens, slopes, borders
Delosperma nubigenum	Zones 4–9	Low	Paving gaps, path edges
Delosperma ‘Fire Spinner’	Zones 4–9	Low	Rock gardens, dry borders
Lampranthus spectabilis	Zones 9–11	Moderate	Warm-climate slopes
Drosanthemum floribundum	Zones 9–11	Low-Moderate	Coastal banks
Carpobrotus edulis	Zones 9–11	High	Avoid near natural areas

Final Thoughts

Ice plant ground cover offers a combination of visual drama, practical function, and low maintenance that is difficult to match. For the right climate and the right site, it is one of the most rewarding investments a gardener can make.

The key is matching species to situation. Stick with Delosperma varieties for cold-climate gardens and managed residential planting. Reserve Lampranthus and Drosanthemum for warm-climate, well-contained settings. And approach Carpobrotus with real caution and full awareness of its invasive potential in your region.

Do that, and ice plant will reward you with seasons of brilliant colour, effective ground coverage, and very little work in return. In gardening, that is a genuinely good deal.

References

1. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) — Ice Plant (Carpobrotus edulis): Invasive Plant Science and Management https://ucanr.edu/sites/poisonoak/files/163252.pdf
2. Colorado State University Extension — Delosperma (Ice Plant) for Colorado Landscapes and Gardens https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/drought-tolerant-plants/
3. North Carolina State University Extension — NC State Plant Toolbox — Delosperma cooperi (Hardy Ice Plant) https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/delosperma-cooperi/
4. University of California Cooperative Extension — Marin Master Gardeners — Invasive Plants of California: Carpobrotus Species https://ucanr.edu/sites/marinmg/Invasive_Plants/
5. Penn State Extension — Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers and Succulents for Pennsylvania and Mid-Atlantic Gardens https://extension.psu.edu/plants-and-gardens