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© Aaliyah Motala, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · iNaturalist
Delosperma sutherlandii
Sutherland's Ice Plant
Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa and Lesotho
Overview
Delosperma sutherlandii is a hardy ice plant species that forms a prostrate succulent mat 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) tall and 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide. Soft pink to rose-pink daisy-like flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across with a clear white center zone appear from May through August, giving an extended bloom period of approximately 14 weeks — longer than most ice plant species, which typically concentrate bloom in a 4–6 week window. The white eye zone creates a bicolor pink-and-white effect that sets this apart from solid-colored ice plants. Bright green fleshy succulent leaves are slightly triangular in cross-section rather than fully cylindrical, a subtle species-level trait. The species is native to the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa and Lesotho at high elevations, contributing to its cold hardiness. Hardy to zone 5 in sharply drained conditions. In wet winter soil, the succulent foliage rots; sharp drainage is required. The mat roots at nodes along trailing stems. Deer avoid the foliage.
Native Range
Delosperma sutherlandii is native to the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa and Lesotho, growing on rocky slopes and cliff faces at high elevations.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, on dry slopes, between stepping stones, and in raised alpine beds. Container culture works in shallow pots of 1 gallon (3.8 L) or more. The 14-week bloom period and bicolor pattern give sustained ornamental value across late spring and summer.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs from May through August, approximately 14 weeks — longer than most ice plant species, which typically bloom for 4–6 weeks. Soft pink flowers with white centers open in succession. Flowers open in sun and close on overcast days.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Soft pink to rose-pink with a white center zoneFoliage Description
Bright green, fleshy, succulent, triangular in cross-sectionGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light. Sharply drained, lean sandy or rocky soil supports the strongest growth. No fertilization is needed. Water sparingly. Top-dressing with gravel improves drainage at the crown. Planting on slopes or raised beds prevents winter rot. Hardy to zone 5 in dry conditions.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Dead or rotted sections can be removed as they occur.Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons