Delosperma

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Delosperma (lat. Delosperma) - a fairly large genus of succulent plants belonging to the Aizovy family. In nature, representatives of the genus are found in Africa, mainly in the south and east of the mainland. The genus has more than 175 species, differing in a variety of colors and shapes. All types are highly decorative, used to decorate flower beds, borders and rock gardens. Look great on the balcony, terraces, porch of the house in wide pots and flowerpots.

Characteristics of culture

Delosperm is represented by perennial and annual plants with a fleshy and highly branched rhizome, individual roots of which penetrate deep into the soil for long distances. Thus, the roots are trying to get the missing moisture and nutrients necessary for active growth. A feature of the roots is also the presence of oblong nodules. The aboveground part of the plants, on the contrary, cannot boast of high growth. Usually, the delosperm does not exceed a height of 30 cm. There are also dwarf species, the height of which is up to 10 cm.

The stems of the representatives of the genus are strongly branched, pressed against the soil, they are crowned with fleshy, lanceolate, curved foliage of a dark green color, sometimes with a blue tint. In culture, there are species with pubescent and smooth foliage. The flowers are medium in size, usually up to 8 cm in diameter, always bright, endowed with elongated petals. Coloring, depending on the species, can be white, lilac, purple, orange, scarlet, pink, etc. Also, today varieties with petal color, called a gradient (that is, one color smoothly turning into another), have been bred. It should be noted that flowers close in cloudy weather.

The fruits of the delosperm are rounded capsules, endowed with a large number of nests. When it gets on the dew box, it opens and the seeds self-seeded at a distance of 100-150 cm. It is important to note that some species and varieties are unsuitable for growing in open ground, since they cannot boast of winter-hardy properties, but they feel great in indoor conditions.

Common types

Of the most common types, it should be noted

profusely flowering delosperm (lat.delosperma floribundum) … Typically, this species is grown as an annual. It is characterized by flowers with a diameter of no more than 3 cm, the color is white, smoothly turning into pinkish or purple. Another species that is of interest to gardeners and florists is

Delosperm Cooper … This is a dwarf species, no more than 15 cm high. It has flowers with a diameter of 5 cm, a yellow-cream color. Delosperma Cooper boasts winter hardy properties.

It should be noted

Delosperma tradescantioides (Latin Delosperma Tradescantioides) … This species is characterized by dangling bushes and pale green foliage. The flowers, in turn, are snow-white, with a diameter of 5 cm. The exact opposite is

twisted delosperm (Latin Delosperma Congestum) … This species is famous for its bright yellow flowers, which become burgundy closer to autumn. It is one of the earliest flowering species. Under favorable climatic conditions and proper care, it blooms in mid-May.

Of the species actively used in breeding work, it is worth mentioning

pearl delosperma (lat. Delosperma Jewel) … To date, varieties have been bred with flowers of pink-white color, turning into a burgundy hue, lilac and red-violet color. Remarkable for indoor cultivation -

Delosperma Dyeri … The species is characterized by peach-colored flowers. Despite the fact that Dyer's delosperma is most often grown in an apartment, they are suitable for open ground, since they are winter-hardy.

Growing features

Delosperma is a warm and sun-loving crop. It is recommended to plant it in well-lit areas. Soils are desirable light, loose, air and water permeable, moderately nutritious, the optimum pH is 6-6.5. When preparing the soil for planting delosperm, it is recommended to add perlite and charcoal to the soil. Delosperma will not tolerate commonwealth with heavy clayey and waterlogged soils. On such soils, the culture will often get sick and, as a result, may die; active flowering is out of the question.