Lampranthus

Lampranthus is a fairly large genus with 100-150 species coming from South Africa. It provides some of the most spectacular displays of bright flowers from the succulent world, and is widely used as ground cover, either annual or perennial as the climate allows. Several species are used for landscaping and vary from shrubby to trailing, and they also for the flowering period. All the species tend to become woody as they age.

Most of the species commonly found will survive a short period at 20°F (-7°C). They need a lot of sun, but in very hot climates like Phoenix, in summer, they will need shade for part of the day, and regular watering in order to survive the summer.

The spectacular flowers need full sun to open. As most mesemb, they are followed by woody capsules that open when wet, to insure propagation of the seeds at the best possible time.

The propagation is by seed or cuttings. Several varieties available in nurseries are hybrids that will not come true as seedling. Seeds need warmth to germinate, 60°F (16°C) or more is suggested. Cuttings should be taken in summer (spring and fall in Phoenix). Six inch shoot stripped of their bottom leaves and planted in moist sand should rapidly root.

Species and varieties
Lampranthus spectabilis (Trailing Ice Plant)

© 2004 Philippe Faucon, All Rights Reserved.