Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi 'WOWDAY2' Wheels of Wonder Fire Wonder) is a South African native succulent that transforms dry, sunny spaces into a carpet of vibrant blooms from June through September. This mat-forming perennial grows just 3 to 6 inches tall but spreads vigorously to 12 to 18 inches, making it an exceptional ground cover for zones 5 through 9. The plant's foliage is studded with transparent, ice-like flakes that catch the light, while daisy-shaped flowers in bright red-purple cover the plant throughout the growing season. Deer and rabbits naturally avoid it, and once established, it thrives on drought and neglect rather than fussing.
Full Sun
Moderate
5-9
6in H x 18in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Those transparent, crystalline flakes covering the succulent leaves genuinely resemble tiny pieces of ice in sunlight, which is where this plant earned its common name. The flowers bloom prolifically from late spring well into fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with their showy, daisy-like petals. Ice plant requires almost no water once rooted and actively resists the pests and diseases that plague so many ornamentals. In cooler zones, it behaves as semi-evergreen but proves hardy enough to return reliably year after year with minimal winter protection.
Ice Plant serves as a ground cover in full-sun gardens, particularly in dry, well-drained areas where traditional turf struggles. Its low, spreading habit and long bloom period make it excellent for naturalizing across rocky slopes, gravelly banks, and shallow-soil areas. The plant thrives in containers and between pavers where drainage is sharp, adding color to hardscaped spaces without requiring irrigation once established.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant rooted cuttings into sharply drained soil in full sun after the last frost. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow room for their spreading habit.
Ice Plant requires minimal pruning. Its spreading, mat-forming habit naturally fills space along the ground, sometimes rooting as stems trail. Remove any dead or damaged growth in spring, and thin back growth if it becomes too dense or begins to crowd adjacent plantings.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Delosperma cooperi originates from South Africa, where it grows on rocky slopes and in arid regions. The genus name itself tells the plant's story: delos means 'evident' in Greek, and sperma means 'seed,' referring to the exposed seeds that characterize ice plants. The transparent crystal-like structures coating the foliage evolved as an adaptation to intense sunlight in South African climates, giving the entire genus its evocative common name. The 'Wheels of Wonder Fire Wonder' cultivar represents modern breeding aimed at improving ornamental qualities and garden performance in northern climates.”