How to Grow Trailing Ice Plant Outdoors

Introduction

Trailing ice plant, also known as Delosperma, is a stunning ground cover plant that adds vibrant color and texture to any garden. Its succulent leaves and daisy-like flowers make it an attractive choice for outdoor landscapes. In this article, we will discuss the steps to successfully grow trailing ice plant outdoors, from choosing the right location to providing proper care.

Choosing the Right Location

Trailing ice plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. When selecting a location for your ice plant, make sure it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This will ensure that the plant maintains its vibrant colors and blooms profusely.

Additionally, trailing ice plant prefers sandy or gravelly soil with excellent drainage. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-based, consider amending it with sand or perlite to improve drainage. Proper drainage is crucial for preventing root rot and other water-related issues.

Planting Trailing Ice Plant

Once you have chosen the ideal location, it’s time to plant your trailing ice plant. Follow these steps for successful planting:

Prepare the soil: Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area. Loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller to improve aeration.
Dig holes: Dig holes that are slightly wider and deeper than the root ball of your ice plant.
Space plants: Space trailing ice plants approximately 12-18 inches apart to allow them room to spread and fill in.
Planting depth: Place each plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil and gently firm it around the base of the plant.
Water thoroughly: After planting, water your ice plants thoroughly to settle the soil around their roots.

Watering and Maintenance

Trailing ice plant is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering once established. However, it’s important to provide adequate moisture during the initial establishment period.

During the first few weeks after planting, water your trailing ice plants regularly to help them establish a strong root system. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Once established, water your ice plants only when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Trailing ice plants are adapted to survive in dry conditions, so they are more likely to suffer from overwatering than underwatering.

Fertilizing

Trailing ice plant doesn’t require heavy feeding. In fact, excessive fertilization can result in weak growth and fewer flowers. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can help promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Choose a slow-release granular fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or similar. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, taking care not to overapply.

Pruning and Deadheading

One of the great advantages of trailing ice plant is its low-maintenance nature. It doesn’t require much pruning to maintain its tidy appearance. However, if you notice any dead or damaged stems, you can trim them back to promote new growth.

Deadheading spent flowers is also beneficial to encourage continuous blooming. Simply pinch off the faded flowers at their base using your fingers or small pruning shears.

Winter Care

Trailing ice plant is generally hardy in USDA zones 6-9, but it may require some protection in colder regions. If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider providing a layer of mulch around the base of your ice plants in late fall. This will help insulate their roots and protect them from freezing temperatures.

In regions with severe winter conditions, you can also use row covers or burlap to wrap your ice plants and provide additional protection. Remove the covers in early spring once the danger of frost has passed.

Conclusion

Growing trailing ice plant outdoors is a relatively easy and rewarding endeavor. By selecting the right location, providing proper care, and following some basic maintenance practices, you can enjoy a stunning carpet of colorful blooms in your garden. So why not give this beautiful ground cover plant a try and elevate the beauty of your outdoor space?