Origin
Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus is a succulent plant that belongs to the Aizoaceae family, which is native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
Common Names
Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus is commonly known as Ashton's Ice Plant, Pink Headed Ice Plant, and Trailing Ice Plant.
Uses
Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus is popularly used as an ornamental plant because of its attractive and colorful flowers. The plant is known to produce pink to purple daisy-like flowers that bloom from late winter to early summer. It is commonly grown in rock gardens, along pathways and borders, and as ground covers. Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus is also used for erosion control in slopes and banks because of its spreading growth habit that helps to stabilize the soil.
General Appearance
Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus is a small, low-growing perennial succulent that typically reaches a height of 3-6 inches and spreads up to 18 inches. The plant has fleshy, smooth-textured, green leaves that form a small rosette. The leaves are arranged opposite each other and measure up to 0.6 inches in length. The stems are slender, trailing, and have a woody base. The flowers are solitary, measuring up to 1.6 inches in diameter, and have a pink to purple color. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight, making it suitable for dry areas with low rainfall.
Light Requirements
Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus is a plant that requires full sun or at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It can also grow in partial shade but will not bloom as heavily. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in a location where it can receive sufficient sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is well adapted to hot and dry conditions. Snow and frost can damage it, but it can survive mild winter temperatures. It has a wide range of temperature tolerance, from 15° Celsius to 40° Celsius, and can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10. It is important to note that this plant cannot tolerate standing water in cold temperatures as it causes it to rot.
Soil Requirements
Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus prefers well-draining, poor to moderately fertile soil. It can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, rocky, and loamy soils. However, it cannot survive in soil that is rich in organic matter or heavy soil that retains water for too long. The ideal pH level of soil for this plant is between 6 and 7.
Cultivation of Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus
When cultivating Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus, it is essential to keep in mind that the plant requires specific conditions to thrive. These include well-draining soil, adequate sunlight, and protection from harsh weather conditions.
The plant requires a sandy, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. When planting Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus, it is essential to ensure that the soil is not too compact, as this can lead to waterlogging, resulting in root rot.
It is important to note that Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus requires full sun to grow and thrive. The plant can tolerate partial shade but will not flower abundantly.
Watering Needs
Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
In winter, when the plant goes into dormancy, watering should be reduced, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and abundant blooming, Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus requires regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every two to three weeks during the growing season.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer, as over-fertilization can damage the plant.
Pruning
Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus doesn't require much pruning, but it is essential to remove any dead or diseased stems and leaves. This ensures that the plant maintains its attractive appearance and promotes healthy growth.
Pruning should be done in early spring, just before the plant starts to grow again.
It is also advisable to deadhead the plant regularly, removing spent flowers to encourage the growth of new blooms.
Propagation of Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus
The plant Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus, commonly known as the purple dew plant or Ashton's ice plant, is a succulent groundcover that is popular for its carpet-like spreading habit and attractive purple flowers. Propagation of this plant can be achieved by several methods:
Seed Propagation
Delosperma ashtonii seeds are small and can be sown in well-draining soil. The seeds should be surface sown and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted once they have developed their first true leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Delosperma ashtonii via stem cuttings is very easy. Cut a 4-6 inch stem from the mother plant, remove the lower leaves, and then insert the stem into a pot filled with well-draining soil. Water the pot well and place it in bright, indirect sunlight. Delosperma ashtonii cuttings usually root in 3-4 weeks.
Division Propagation
Dividing mature Delosperma ashtonii plants is another way to propagate them. Choose a mature plant, carefully dig it out of the ground, and gently separate the individual stems. Replant the separated stems in well-draining soil and water them well. Wait until the plants establish a good root system before transplanting them to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant, but it can still fall prey to some fungal and bacterial diseases. Some of the common diseases that may affect this plant include:
Crown Rot
Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots and crowns, eventually killing the entire plant. Signs of crown rot include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and root decay. To manage crown rot, it is important to avoid planting in waterlogged soils. In addition, regular inspection of the plant for early signs of the disease is necessary to catch it early and apply fungicide treatments if necessary.
Fungal Leaf Spot
Fungal leaf spot is a disease that affects the foliage of the plant, leaving small, circular spots on the leaves that are often yellow or brown in color. These spots can merge to form larger patches that can affect the plant’s overall health and vigor. To manage fungal leaf spot, removing and destroying the infected leaves, and reducing excessive moisture in the environment are recommended. Applying a fungicide treatment is also an effective way to control the spread of fungal leaf spot.
Pest Management
The Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus may also suffer from occasional pest damage from insects such as:
Scales
Scales are small, flat insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck out its sap, leading to a decline in the plant's health. They appear as small white, yellow, or brown bumps on the leaves, stems or flowers of the plant. To manage scales, prune off the heavily infested areas and apply insecticidal soap formulated for succulent plants. This will help to suffocate the scales and reduce their numbers.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are another common pest that affects Delosperma ashtonii L.Bolus. They attack the plant's tender shoots, leaves, and flowers by feeding on the sap. Signs of infestation include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and a sticky residue on the surface of the plant. To manage mealybugs, remove the heavily infested areas and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Alternatively, a solution of rubbing alcohol and water can be applied with a cotton ball to remove them manually.
Regular inspection of the plant for pests and early signs of disease is necessary to catch them early and apply the appropriate control methods to keep the plant healthy and vigorous.
