Red Ice Plant

Plant Type: Succulent Groundcover
Plant Height: 6-12 inches
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: Bright red to orange-red
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Red Ice Plant: Dazzling Color for Desert Landscapes

The Red Ice Plant (Drosanthemum speciosum) is a vibrant, low-growing succulent prized for its carpet of dazzling red blooms in late spring and early summer. Native to South Africa, it thrives in hot, dry climates and is well-suited to Arizona landscapes. With its mat-forming habit and vivid flowers, the Red Ice Plant brings brilliant color and texture to rock gardens, slopes, and xeriscapes while demanding very little maintenance.

Key Features of Red Ice Plant

• Brilliant Blooms: Produces masses of bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of red and orange-red, transforming any garden space into a bold display of color.
• Low-Growing Habit: Stays compact at under a foot tall while spreading outward to form a colorful groundcover.
• Drought Tolerant: Requires minimal water once established, making it perfect for xeriscapes and water-conscious landscapes.
• Easy Care: Hardy in heat and poor soils; tolerates reflected sun and rocky planting sites.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Prefers sandy or well-draining soil; avoid heavy clay.
• Water: Moderate watering during establishment, then very low water needs once mature.
• Maintenance: Shear back lightly after flowering to encourage dense growth and maintain a tidy appearance.

Landscaping Uses

• Groundcover: Excellent for covering bare soil, reducing weeds, and preventing erosion.
• Rock Gardens & Slopes: Perfect for sunny, rocky areas where little else grows.
• Borders & Edges: Adds bold seasonal color along walkways, beds, and patios.
• Containers: Cascades beautifully over the edges of pots or raised planters.

Summary

The Red Ice Plant is a show-stopping, low-water perennial that thrives in Arizona’s intense sun. Its vibrant red flowers, combined with its low maintenance needs, make it a smart choice for homeowners who want maximum color with minimal effort.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Red Ice Plant Planting Guide

Location: Full sun for best flowering.
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil. Avoid heavy clay or overly moist areas.
Spacing: Plant 18-24 inches apart for fast, colorful coverage.
Planting Depth: Place root ball level with surrounding soil. Backfill lightly and firm soil around roots.
Support: No staking required; naturally spreads outward.

Watering Guide

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water immediately after planting.
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks, then reduce to once weekly for the next 1-2 months.
• Amount: Provide about 1 gallon of water per plant per session.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Usually established after 3-4 months of consistent growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 2-3 weeks during extreme heat.
• Winter: Water once every 4-6 weeks if rainfall is lacking.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: 6-12 inches from plant center.
• Flow Rate: 0.5–1 gallon per hour emitters.
• Number of Emitters: 1 per plant, adding more if the area is particularly dry.
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase during hot spells; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Red Ice Plant

• Soil Check: Ensure soil dries out between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Avoid Standing Water: Never plant in areas with poor drainage.
• Mulch: Use gravel or small rock mulch instead of organic mulch to help retain soil heat and prevent excess moisture.