Drosanthemum Hispidum
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Pink Ice Plant / Dewflower
Botanical Name: Drosanthemum hispidum
Family: Aizoaceae
Origin: South Africa (winter-rainfall, coastal & semi-arid regions)
Plant Type: Succulent groundcover (prostrate, spreading)
Overview
A sun-loving, water-wise succulent for Adelaide/SA that forms a low, sparkling carpet (the leaves have tiny “dew” cells) and bursts into vivid magenta-pink daisy flowers from late spring into summer, with bonus flushes in warm autumns. Excellent for hot verges, rockeries, retaining walls and spill-over edges. Thrives on the Adelaide Plains’ free-draining, often alkaline soils; just avoid winter waterlogging.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 0.1–0.2 m H × 0.6–1.2 m W (can spread to ~1.5 m in ideal sites)
- Growth Rate: 20–40 cm (spread) per year under good conditions
- Foliage: Fleshy, opposite, grey-green leaves (cylindrical/3-angled) with a “dewy” sheen; tints red/purple in cold, drought or intense sun
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Flowers: Masses of magenta-pink to purple, daisy-like blooms with yellow centres; mainly late spring–summer (open best in full sun)
- Seasonal Interest: Long spring–summer display; colourful foliage tints in cooler/drier spells
- Wildlife Value: Nectar/pollen for bees and other pollinators
- Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established, heat- and wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frosts in Hills); thrives in poor, sandy or calcareous soils; avoid waterlogging
- Planting Density: 3–5 plants/m² for quick cover; trailing over walls: 2–3 per linear metre
- Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs (ingesting any plant may upset tummies)
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun (essential for tight growth and best flowering); light shade reduces bloom
- Soil: Free-draining sands or sandy/loam; loves the alkaline/calcareous soils common on the Adelaide Plains; raise/mound on clay to keep crowns dry in winter
- Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 3–4 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves on sands); little to none in winter
- Maintenance: Minimal—shear lightly after the main flush to thicken mats and encourage rebloom; remove spent stems; avoid rich fertiliser (keeps growth tight); easy from cuttings to patch gaps
- Lifespan: 5–10+ years in well-drained sites
- Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA—excellent on Adelaide Plains and second-line coastal sites; choose a frost-sheltered position in the Hills
- Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline (tolerates slightly acidic if well-drained)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Coastal-inspired gravel/rock gardens and retaining wall spill-overs
- Hot, low-water verge strips and bank stabilisation
- Between stepping stones or with other Mediterranean sun-lovers (lavender, rosemary, grasses)
Why You Will Love It
A bright, no-fuss flowering carpet that thrives on Adelaide heat and lean soils, delivering months of colour and sculpture-like, sparkling foliage with almost no maintenance.