Heat-tolerant ice plants are named for tiny crystalline cells on the stems that sparkle in the sun.

‘Rosea’ Ice Plant

(Drosanthemum speciosum ‘Rosea’)

• Succulent • Blooms: Lavender-pink; spring • 4″-6″H by 3′-5’W • Well-drained soil • Zones 9-11 • Full to partial sun • Low-medium water; low maintenance • Attracts: Bees

This South Africa native is a dense ground-hugger especially suited for slopes as an aid in erosion control. Due to its fast growth and ability to root stems that come in contact with the ground, it can extend over a relatively large area but is not suited for foot traffic, as its stems are easily crushed and can become slippery.

Why we like it: This ice plant lives up to its name with tiny translucent dots that glisten in the sun throughout its green stems. Its bright pink blooms can last two to three weeks in the spring. When not used as a ground cover, it makes a colorful accent in a rock garden alongside other succulents.

Red Spike Ice Plant

(Cephalophyllum ‘Red Spike’)

• Succulent • Blooms: Magenta; winter to spring • 3″-5″H by 1′-2’W • Well-drained soil • Zones 8-11 • Full to partial sun • Low to medium water; low maintenance • Attracts: Bees

Unlike some other ice plants, ‘Red Spike’ is a relatively slow grower that only spreads a few feet in tight clumps and is smaller overall. It’s unsuitable for foot traffic due to its diminutive stature, yet it still acts as a great stabilizer in erosion-prone areas.

Why we like it: Red Spike’s brilliant magenta flowers bloom from late winter to early spring. When combined with other summer-or fall-blooming ice plants, it results in nearly year-round color. Its thick, gray-green stems can take on a reddish hue in cooler weather, adding additional interest to rock gardens, borders and mixed succulent containers.

Coppery Mesemb

(Malephora crocea)

• Succulent • Blooms: Orange-red; spring to summer • 8″-12″H by 4′-6’W • Well-drained soils • Zones 9A-11 • Full to partial sun • Low water; low maintenance • Attracts: Bees

Native to South Africa, this ice plant does not lend itself well to foot traffic but performs well as a ground cover on slopes or as an ornamental plant in rock gardens or trailing over walls and containers. Both frost- and drought-tolerant, this species is particularly suited for low desert gardens.

Why we like it: Also known as the red ice plant for its copper orange-red daisylike flowers with yellow centers and occasional purplish undersides, this plant can bloom virtually year-round, though it peaks in spring. Grayish-green stems may also develop reddish tips in winter for added interest.

Common Ice Plant

(Carpobrotus chilensis)

• Succulent • Blooms: Red to magenta; summer to fall • 4″-8″H by 3′-4’W • Well-drained sandy soil • Zones 9A-11 • Full or partial sun • Low water; low maintenance • Attracts: Bees

Also known as sea fig, this native of South Africa, as well as Chile (hence, its species name, C. chilensis), has become invasive in parts of the California coastline. It spreads via propagation to form a dense, fleshy green mat ideal for use on slopes or eroded areas—or as weed control.

Why we like it: Depending on the variety, the common ice plant produces aster-like blooms in shades of red, pink, purple or magenta that last from early summer to the fall. Unlike the ‘Rosea’ ice plant, this variety holds up to foot traffic and can be planted next to sidewalks and pools or allowed to trail down vertical walls.