Plant Type: ground cover
Plant Height: 2-4 inches
Spread: 18-24 inches
Flower Color: orange
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Description:
The AZ Ice Plant-Copper, scientifically known as Delosperma cooperi 'Copper', is a striking variety of the hardy ice plant, renowned for its vibrant copper to orange flowers. This succulent groundcover is a popular choice in landscapes for its drought tolerance, low-maintenance care, and the bright splash of color it adds to sunny garden spots. Originating from South Africa, Delosperma cooperi varieties are well-suited to similar arid and semi-arid climates, making them an excellent choice for water-wise gardening.
Growing to about 2 to 4 inches in height with a spreading habit of 18 to 24 inches, 'Copper' forms a dense mat of succulent green leaves that serve as a lush backdrop to its daisy-like flowers. The blooms appear profusely from late spring to early fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Adapted to full sun, the AZ Ice Plant-Copper thrives in well-draining soil and is particularly suited for rock gardens, slopes, and borders, where its trailing habit can be used to full effect. It is highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering and care, which makes it an ideal plant for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes.
In landscaping, Delosperma cooperi 'Copper' is often used as a groundcover to fill in sunny areas where other plants might struggle. Its vibrant flower color and succulent foliage add texture and visual interest to garden beds, and its hardy nature makes it a reliable choice for challenging growing conditions.
Overall, the AZ Ice Plant-Copper is a versatile and attractive groundcover, ideal for adding low-maintenance color and texture to sunny, dry areas of the garden. Its drought tolerance, ease of care, and striking flower color make it a favored choice for gardeners looking to create sustainable and vibrant landscapes.
Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): AZ Blue Bells
Planting Guide:
-
Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming)
-
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
-
Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth
-
Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
-
Support: No staking required; AZ Blue Bells grows as a compact, bushy shrub and is self-supporting
Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting:
-
Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
-
Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to encourage deep root growth and establishment
-
Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots
When is the Plant Established?
-
Timeframe: AZ Blue Bells is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins to show consistent new growth
Watering Once Established:
-
Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
-
Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. AZ Blue Bells is drought-tolerant once established but still benefits from occasional deep watering during dry winter periods.
Drip Irrigation Setup:
-
Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure the water reaches the root zone and promotes deep root growth. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
-
Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering. This ensures that water reaches the plant's root zone and penetrates deeply into the soil.
-
Number of Emitters: Place 2 emitters around the base of each plant to ensure even water distribution around the root zone. Adjust the number of emitters as the plant matures.
-
Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for drought-tolerant plants like AZ Blue Bells. This will allow you to adjust the watering frequency and duration to meet the plant’s specific needs.
-
Adjusting Frequency: During the hot summer months, increase the watering frequency to every 5-7 days, especially during prolonged heat waves. In cooler months, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks or based on rainfall.
General Watering Tips:
-
Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
-
Avoid Overwatering: AZ Blue Bells is drought-tolerant once established, so ensure that the soil drains well and avoid standing water around the plant.
-
Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and prevent weed growth. Avoid placing mulch directly against the plant's stem.
Let me know if you need any further details or adjustments!
You said:
ChatGPT said:
Here’s the planting and watering guide for AZ Ice Plant-Copper specifically for the Phoenix Valley area, with drip irrigation setup included:
Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): AZ Ice Plant-Copper
Planting Guide:
-
Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming)
-
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
-
Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth
-
Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
-
Support: No staking required; AZ Ice Plant-Copper is self-supporting and grows as a low, spreading ground cover
Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting:
-
Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
-
Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
-
Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots
When is the Plant Established?
-
Timeframe: AZ Ice Plant-Copper is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing steady new growth
Watering Once Established:
-
Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hot months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session.
-
Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. AZ Ice Plant-Copper is drought-tolerant once established but still benefits from occasional deep watering during dry winter periods.
Drip Irrigation Setup:
-
Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure that the water reaches the root zone. This helps promote deep root growth while preventing excess moisture near the plant’s stem.
-
Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering. This allows the water to penetrate deep into the soil, encouraging healthy root development.
-
Number of Emitters: Place 1-2 emitters around the base of each plant, depending on its size, to ensure even water distribution. Increase the number of emitters as the plant matures.
-
Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for drought-tolerant ground covers like AZ Ice Plant-Copper. This allows you to adjust the watering frequency and duration according to the plant’s specific needs.
-
Adjusting Frequency: In the summer, you may need to increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days to ensure the plant stays hydrated. In winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks, or adjust based on rainfall.
General Watering Tips:
-
Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
-
Avoid Overwatering: AZ Ice Plant-Copper is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well.
-
Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool, but avoid placing mulch directly against the plant’s stem.
