Plant trailing ice plant after frost, in grit, with the crown even with the soil and room to trail. Water once to settle it, then wait until the ground is dry.
Plant after frost, in grit, with room to trail
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | Spring, after the last frost, or any dry day in a frost-free garden | Do not set it out into frozen or waterlogged ground |
| Hole | No deeper than the nursery pot, with grit around the sides | Do not bury the stems in a deep, wet pocket |
| Spacing | About 18 inches, so the stems can trail without stacking wet foliage | Do not pack a tight wet row |
| First season | Water to settle the grit, then wait until it is dry before you water again | Do not keep the new planting on a weekly soak |
Set trailing ice plant on a slope, a rock garden, or any open, sunny strip that sheds water. Planting or moving it is a spring job. [1] Space plants about 18 inches apart so the carpet can run. [2] The hole stays shallow, in poor, sharply drained soil in full sun, because a deep wet pocket rots the stems. [3] A bank, a gravel bed, or the edge of a pot all work if the grit drains. [4] Sun and later watering stay on How to Grow Trailing Ice Plant.
- Plant in spring where frost still comes, once nights stay mild. In a frost-free garden you can set it out whenever the ground is dry enough to work.
- Dig a hole no deeper than the nursery pot. Set the crown even with the soil and firm grit around it. Do not bury the stems in wet clay.
- Space plants about 18 inches apart so the stems can trail without stacking wet foliage.
- Water once to settle the grit, then wait until it is dry before you water again through the first summer.
When should I plant trailing ice plant?
After frost in a cold garden, in dry ground. In a frost-free garden, plant whenever the soil is dry enough to work.
How far apart do I plant trailing ice plant?
About 18 inches. One plant spreads about one to two feet, so leave room rather than packing a wet row.
If a new plant sits wet and the stems soften, lift it into grit on a slope and water only after the ground dries.
FAQ
Can I plant it in clay?
Only if you raise the bed and cut the clay with grit so water leaves the crown. A low wet pocket is a poor site.
Should I fertilize at planting?
No. Poor grit is enough. Rich feed makes soft stems that flop.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Consultaplantas -
https://www.consultaplantas.com/index.php/en/plants-from-d-to-l/2328-lampranthus-spectabilis-or-trailing-ice-plant-care-and-growing - [2] Desert-Tropicals -
https://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Aizoaceae/Lampranthus_spectabile.html - [3] Royal Horticultural Society -
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/49549/lampranthus-spectabilis-tresco-brilliant/details - [4] PlantZAfrica -
https://pza.sanbi.org/lampranthus-aureus
This note is part of Lampranthus Guides.
More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors