Ice Plant, Baby Sun Rose (Aptenia cordifolia)

Ice Plant, Baby Sun Rose
Scientific Name: Aptenia cordifolia (L. f.) N.E. Br.
Synonym: Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, Litocarpus cordifolius, Tetracoilanthus cordifolius
Family: Aizoaceae

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White Aptenia cordifolia Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 11-13,17, 21-24
USDA: 9-11

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 23°F (-5°C)
Heat Tolerance: Excellent, but need regular water in Phoenix in summer.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
Origin: South Africa (eastern coastal deserts)
Growth Habits: Trailing perennial to 10 inches tall (25 cm) 3 feet diameter (1.2 m), leaves up to 1 inch long and wide (2.5 cm)
Watering Needs: Little water (regular water if the weather is extremely hot), good drainage.
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings

Aptenias have become one of the most planted ice-plant in Phoenix. They are very tough, look clean most of the time, and bloom from spring to fall. They grow in light shade, but bloom a lot less. They grow well on retaining walls and hanging baskets.
Aptenia 'Red Apple' (picture 3) is an hybrid commonly encountered in nurseries.

Ice Plant, Baby Sun Rose (Aptenia cordifolia)

Blooming Habits:
Small purplish red flowers (occasionally white) in spring and summer.

References:
Dry Climate Gardening With Succulents : The Huntington Botanical Gardens

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