Jorielle's Blog

Aptenia Cordifolia (Baby Sun Rose)
Apr 14, 2008 | 7:18 PM PST
They appear to crawl along the soil and hug the ground forming a tight, almost clipped appearance.Plants grow no taller than about 3 to 4 inches.Established plants, bare rooted ( cuttings) - 10- 30cm tall Full sun, hardy, drought tolerant, grows fast,great hardy plant You can grow this plant in a container or mass planted for great effect. Ideal garden border, groundcover, for rockeries or in a hanging basket or as a pot plant. More often grown in a hanging basket in well drained media, its small stature and slow growth make it suited for a ground cover in a small landscape or rock garden. Locate it in front of an upright, grass or grass-like plant such as one of the ornamental grasses, Africa Iris or Spartina to make a stunning, contrasting combination. Be sure to locate Baby Sunrose in the full sun, and keep the soil on the dry side once it becomes established to prevent root rot. It is best suited for a coastal landscape where wind and sandy soil keep the soil dry. A light fertilization two or three times during the year should be all the plant needs to maintain a good appearance. After watering plants in containers, be sure to allow the media to become fairly dry before the next irrigation. Established landscape plants should require little if any irrigation in most years. Do not plant in a landscape soil unless it is very well-drained. 

Very Generous Cuttings

Hearts & Flowers (Aptenia cordifolia) is a type of ice plant best suited to growing in containers. It has little, heart-shaped, succulent leaves. Plants mound to 6 inches tall and spread 2 feet with dense, shiny green foliage and small, but showy raspberry-colored flowers. Hearts & Flowers are great for hanging baskets and medium-sized patio pots, alone or in combination with taller growing plants. This plant requires full to nearly full sun and plenty of water. But as with other succulents, let the soil dry some before watering thoroughly. In the heat of summer it’s still likely the plant may need daily watering, especially in hanging baskets.