Malephora

Sunset

Zones vary by species.

Full

Minimal

Ice plant
Aizoaceae
Cacti and succulents, Ground covers, Perennials

Ground cover plants from South Africa. Dense, smooth, 1–1¾-in.-long fleshy leaves are highly resistant to heat, wind, exhaust fumes, and fire. Widely used for both streetside and freeway plantings. Plants bloom over a long season, but their daisy-like flowers are scattered rather than in sheets. Attractive to bees.

Malephora crocea

To 6 in.–1 ft. high and 6 ft. wide,with blue-green foliage. Sparse production of reddish yellow flowers nearly year-round, with heaviest bloom in spring. Good choice for moderately steep slopes. M. c. purpureo-crocea has bluish green foliage, salmon-colored flowers.

Malephora luteola

To 1 ft. high and 6 ft. wide, with bright green foliage. Inch-wide yellow flowers bloom during most of year. More vigorous than M. crocea.