Delosperma spp.

Quick, name a plant that survives equally well in central Texas, the mountains of Colorado and chilly northeast Ohio. Answer: Delosperma.

Commonly called ice plant, these resilient performers not only stand up to blistering sun, sandy soils and drought, they thrive in these conditions, and most are reliably hardy overwintering in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-5. They're ideal choices for green roofs, rock gardens and other punishing, arid locations. There are several species and varieties available from Green Leaf Plants.

With a mature height of only 1-4 inches, Delosperma make outstanding weed-smothering groundcovers that will brighten places few other plants dare to go.

Some of Green Leaf Plants' selections include popular Delosperma varieties from Plant Select.

• Use a propagation media with high porosity and water-holding capacity. It shouldn't contain bark or slow-release fertilizer. Maintain a propagation air temperature of 70°F. Once rooting begins, fertilize with a 50-100 ppm nitrogen fertilizer at least once a week. Apply high mist for one to two days, then moderate mist for one to two days, then move to a low mist until rooting is complete.
  A broad-spectrum fungicide drench and a fungus gnat larvaecide are recommended within 24 hours of stick.
  Pinch cells once after moving out of propagation, or shortly thereafter, to promote branching. Plants are in propagation for about three weeks.
   
• Transplant liners into 6- or 8-inch, quart or 1-gallon pots. Use a porous media with good drainage. Vernalization isn't required for flowering.
   
• Grow on the dry side and don't overwater. While actively growing, plants perform well with a constant liquid feed of 100 to150 ppm nitrogen.
  Supplemental lighting isn't necessary. The best performance will occur in warmer temperatures higher than 60°F during finishing.
   
• Plant unvernalized plugs in late April or May for finished plants in about 10 weeks. For earlier, spring bloom, bulk in fall and vernalize plants in final sales container.