† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
|
| Member | Message |
|---|---|
 |
Posted: Aug/15/2009 11:54 AM PST
I am very new to the Forum so I am not sure exactly how to use it. But I am going to give it a whirl. My question has to do with iceplant ground covers; specifically Red Spike iceplant (Cephalophysllum astonii). I live in Southern Arizona where we have mild winters but very hot dry summers. I needed a ground cover to plant in a space in my backyard that is in partial filtered shade but gets direct morning and late afternoon sun. I checked in my Sunset magazine Western Garden book and there are a number listed for my zone (Southern Arizona)which are sun tolerant, don't require much water, are very hardy, and don't require much maintenance. There were 2 or 3 that met all these requirements. When I went to purchase them at the various nurseries the only one I found available was the Red Spike variety (my third choice, but alas the only one available). I bought four flats comprising nearly 200 individual plants and proceeded to plant them (starting in late February through the middle of March). This iceplant is described as spreading moderately rapidly. As of today, these plants have Not spread at all. Some have grown a bit taller (hardly noticeable) but as far as spreading; there is none. About 10% of the plants have died. Overall most of them look a bit wilted. They supposedly don't require much watering (except occasionally in the summer) so I am careful to not overwater. I don't know what is going on. So far these plants have been a real disappointment for me. I have checked back with the nursery and their explanation is that growth takes time (so much for rapidly spreading). I don't know if I am doing something wrong, or what. I would appreciate any helpful suggestions as to what to do. Thanks, Pancho |
 |
Posted: Aug/16/2009 2:17 AM PST
Believe it or not, I believe that your problem is lack of water. I have ice plant that will survive with no water at all, but it grows like gangbusters when it rains or I water. If I were you, I'd start watering it if it doesn't rain. Water at least twice a week (if you don't get rain), and I'll bet you'll start seeing some growth before fall. It will survive the winter. |
|
|
Posted: Aug/16/2009 3:55 PM PST
Hi, Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a try as you suggest and see what happens. Pancho |
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
