Drosanthemum spp.

Dewfigs

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Drosanthemum spp., the dewfigs, is a genus of more than 100 succulent shrublets and groundcovers in the ice plant family (Aizoaceae), native to South Africa and Namibia. The common and scientific names refer to the leaf surface, which is densely covered in tiny glistening cells that sparkle like dew. Plants form spreading or trailing mounds 10-60 cm (4-24 in) high that can run more than 1 m (3 ft) wide on slender, often woody stems set with small cylindrical or club-shaped leaves. In spring the plants are smothered in many-petalled, daisy-like flowers 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 in) across in shimmering pink, purple, magenta, orange, yellow, and white, which open in sun. Flowering is dense and showy but short, mostly over a few weeks in spring. The genus is adapted to dry, sunny, rocky habitats and stores water in its leaves to survive long dry spells. Most species are frost-tender and suited to mild, dry-summer climates, though a few tolerate light frost. Sharp drainage matters, as the succulent stems rot in cold, wet ground.

Native Range

Drosanthemum spp. is native to the winter-rainfall and semi-arid regions of South Africa and Namibia, including the Cape, Karoo, and Namaqualand. The genus is restricted to southern Africa in the wild.

Suggested Uses

Drosanthemum spp. species are planted as fast groundcover on hot, dry banks, over walls, in rock and gravel gardens, and in coastal and xeriscape plantings. Trailing forms cascade from raised beds and containers. The spring flowers draw bees and other pollinators.

How to Identify

Identify dewfigs by small succulent leaves whose surface is coated in glittering, bead-like water cells, giving a dewy or frosted look. The flowers are typical of the ice plant family, with many slender shining petals around a central disc, and open only in bright light. The shrubby or trailing stems and the strongly glistening leaves separate Drosanthemum spp. from the smoother-leaved Delosperma spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 2'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring

The main flowering is in spring, when established plants can be almost hidden by bloom for two to four weeks. Flowers open in sun and close in dull weather or at night. Scattered later flowers may appear, but the heavy display is brief.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pink, purple, magenta, orange, yellow, or white

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun on gritty, sharply drained soil at a pH of 6.0-7.5. Once established they tolerate heat, wind, and long drought, drawing on water held in the leaves. Cold, wet winter soil is the main cause of failure, leading to stem and root rot. Most species are hardy only to about USDA zone 9, with a few to zone 8. Light watering during the growing season supports flowering, but established plants need little care.

Pruning

A light trim after flowering removes spent blooms and keeps the mounds compact. Older plants can grow bare at the centre and are renewed by cutting back or by replanting rooted stem pieces. Frost-damaged growth is removed in spring.