A fast spreading trailing succulent with heart-shaped glistening green leaves and bright magenta daisy-like flowers through the warm months. A vigorous water-wise groundcover and basket plant.
At a glance
- Plant type: Succulent
- Mature size: 15 cm H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Heartleaf Iceplant
Botanically, Aptenia cordifolia is a moderate-growing succulent in the Aizoaceae family. It reaches around 15 cm tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Pink and red flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Heartleaf Iceplant
Heartleaf Iceplant suits Mediterranean, warm-temperate, subtropical and arid and semi-arid climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Heartleaf Iceplant does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Heartleaf Iceplant is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Heartleaf Iceplant after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Heartleaf Iceplant in the garden
Heartleaf Iceplant earns its place for a low lawn alternative, hanging baskets, holding soil on banks and slopes and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Heartleaf Iceplant with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe. Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Heartleaf Iceplant
Plant Sale lists Heartleaf Iceplant as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.