Alphabetical Plant Listing

Aptenia cordifolia (Baby Sun Rose)

Baby Sun Rose, Dew Plant, Heart-Leaf Ice Plant, Rock Rose, Noon Flower, Red Apple, Ice Plant, Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, Litocarpus cordifolius


Ideal for low-maintenance and water-wise gardens, Aptenia cordifolia (Baby Sun Rose) is a trailing succulent perennial forming a thick carpet of fleshy, heart-shaped, glossy green leaves that sparkle in the sun. A profusion of bright pink or purplish, small daisy flowers are produced in spring and summer - nearly year-round in the tropics. Heat, drought and salt tolerant, Aptenia cordifolia looks great in rock gardens or in containers where its fine texture and delicate appearance can be appreciated. It is also a good choice for long-lasting hanging baskets or for cascading over the edges of walls. Suitable for coastal conditions.

  • Grows up to 6 in. tall (15 cm) and spreads vigorously to 2 ft. (60 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun in sandy, well-drained soils. Good drainage is essential to survival. Water regularly when the soil becomes dry. Keep dry in the winter. Fertilize very lightly in early spring. 
  • Easy to grow, Aptenia cordifolia is a good choice as a succulent groundcover or to prevent erosion of banks and slopes. Excellent addition to sunny rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, coastal gardens or containers.
  • Generally pest and disease free.
  • Propagate by seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be sown in early to mid-spring and germinated in heated humid environment. Alternatively, use stem-tip cuttings, nodes root when they touch the ground.
  • Native to South Africa.

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Requirements

Hardiness 10 – 11
Heat Zones 10 – 12
Climate Zones 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents, Perennials
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" (15cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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By Zuzha, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 10 – 11
Heat Zones 10 – 12
Climate Zones 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents, Perennials
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" (15cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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