Drosanthemum plants and species.
Rarely seen in Australia Drosanthemum candens, Drosanthemum speciosum and Drosanthemum floribundum or ‘Ice Plant’ are from a group of drought tolerant ground covering plants useful in dry areas. Evergreen succulent plants or small shrubs they cope with extended dry periods.
Also known as ‘Dewflowers’ which is a reference to the water cells that appear on the foliage and glisten in the sun, like dew. Very low growing they can be covered with masses of flowers in spring.
Rather spectacular masses of flowers in spring especially from Drosanthemum speciosum and these may be red, yellow or orange depending on the form of the variable species.
Fairly easy to grow from seed. And a tough hardy plant once established, some species also grow well in hanging baskets. All are tolerant of seaside or coastal conditions. All species have a habit of opening the flowers a few hours after sunrise, and closing them an hour or two before sunset.
Basic Care
- Position – Full sun
- Soil -well drained.
- Try not to over water in summer, ensure winter drainage is excellent.
Flowering period for all species is from spring, through summer.
Varieties
- D. floribundum is the pink iceplant.
- D. candense is also pink flowering, with a creeping habit. It will reach around 20cm in height.
- D. speciosum is more shrubby with orange flowers, although flower colour will vary. This species can reach 30 – 50 cm in height.
Available for sale from the following nurseries
20 Swan Street, Lara, Vic. 3212 Contact: Ph/Fax: (03) 5282 8704