Baby Sun Rose
Used as a drought tolerant ground cover plant, Aptenia cordifolia is commonly called the Baby Sun Rose. Small heart shaped leaves are a mid green.
The leaves are said to be edible, as are the flowers, and can be added to salads. However it does have its problems.
The flowers open a bright red on sunny days before fading to a bright pink. This is a plant that can also be used in hanging baskets and containers, or for underplanting taller plants in pots.
Problems
This plant is related to and often mistaken for what the Australian Native plant that we commonly call pigface. Pigfaces are Carpobrotus species and you should grow these instead.
Although this is an attractive little plant when in flower, it is a invasive weed in many areas. It has the potential to spread quickly especially in sandy soils. It forma dense mat and will smother other plants.
Consider planting Carpobrotus rossi (Native Pig Face) instead.
How to Grow the Baby Sun Rose – Basic Care
If you really must grow it keep it in a container and dispose of any cutting or unwanted plant by burning of by other safe means.
Given a reasonable soil, this is not a fussy plant at all. It does spread freely and is regarded as weed in a number of states.
Propagation
The method of propagation is from seed or by division of established clumps. It will spread quickly from wherever the fleshy stems or roots touch the soil.
Summary Information
- Common Name – Baby Sun Rose, Dew Plant, Desert Sunrose or Heart-leaf Ice-plant
- Botanical Name – Aptenia cordifolia
- Soil – Well drained.
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Foliage – Mid green.
- Flowers – Red.
- Flowering time – Winter to late Summer.
- Growth Rate – Fast to Medium.
- Height – Dependant on climate, to around 15cm.
- Spread – Will form a clump of .5 metre
- Frost tolerant – Yes
- Drought tolerant – Yes