Troubleshooting
Hardy Ice Plant problems — and how to fix them
Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Winter crown rot
The leading cause of plant death in the UK. Wet, cold conditions in heavy or poorly drained soil cause the crown to rot at soil level. Ensure very sharp drainage, avoid clay soils entirely, and consider a layer of grit around the crown as a collar. Container plants are most vulnerable if left in waterlogged compost.
Failure to return after winter
Even in USDA Zone 7, plants may not reliably overwinter in sites with poorly drained soil or heavy snowmelt. Improve drainage by incorporating coarse grit and planting on a slight slope. A winter mulch of dry grit (not organic mulch, which holds moisture) can improve survival rates in marginal zones.
Deer browsing
Occasionally browsed by deer, which find the succulent leaves palatable. Physical barrier protection or deer-repellent sprays may be needed in rural gardens where deer pressure is high.
Prevent hardy ice plant problems before they start
Most hardy ice plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Hardy Ice Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my hardy ice plant winter crown rot?
The leading cause of plant death in the UK. Wet, cold conditions in heavy or poorly drained soil cause the crown to rot at soil level. Ensure very sharp drainage, avoid clay soils entirely, and consider a layer of grit around the crown as a collar. Container plants are most vulnerable if left in waterlogged compost.
Why is my hardy ice plant failure to return after winter?
Even in USDA Zone 7, plants may not reliably overwinter in sites with poorly drained soil or heavy snowmelt. Improve drainage by incorporating coarse grit and planting on a slight slope. A winter mulch of dry grit (not organic mulch, which holds moisture) can improve survival rates in marginal zones.
Why is my hardy ice plant deer browsing?
Occasionally browsed by deer, which find the succulent leaves palatable. Physical barrier protection or deer-repellent sprays may be needed in rural gardens where deer pressure is high.