Species shrubby ice plant

shrubby ice plant

Ruschia pulvinaris

Shrubby ice plant (Ruschia pulvinaris) is an evergreen shrub native to South African deserts. It has succulent stems and grey-green, slightly fleshy leaves. The flowers are mauve-pink and last for long periods. It easily tolerates sandy soils and extreme heat. Its hardiness makes it an ideal addition to desert gardens and rock gardens. It can even tolerate frost in moderate climates. It grows best under intense sunlight, but needs protection from winds. It has a low water requirement and is easy to grow. Prune regularly to maintain its growth and encourage new flowers. Shrubby ice plant is a colorful and eye-catching species that will add a touch of unique beauty to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 10

Flowers:

Magenta-purple, Pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow,orange

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Shrubby ice plant (Ruschia pulvinaris) should be watered once per week, providing approximately 1 inch of water at each watering. This should be done in early morning or late evening to reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation. During winter, it is recommended to reduce watering and only water the plant if the soil is dry. Make sure that the soil can drain well, as shrubby ice plants do not like waterlogged soils.

sunlight

Shrubby ice plant (Ruschia pulvinaris) should receive full sun or partial sun for optimal growth. Full sun ranges from 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day; partial sun is 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant species will likely prefer full sun in cooler climatic zones and partial sun in warmer climates. In very hot climates, partial shade may give this plant the best results.

pruning

Shrubby ice plant (Ruschia pulvinaris) should be pruned in early spring, around the beginning of March, when its dormant season ends and active growth begins. Pruning should be done sparingly, harvesting no more than 1-third of the plant's total growth each time to preserve its health and vigor. For specific pruning needs, it is best to consult a professional horticulturist or arborist familiar with the species.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The shrubby ice plant typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map