Ice plant (Delosperma cooperi 'WOWDAY2' WHEELS OF WONDER FIRE WONDER)
Delosperma cooperi 'WOWDAY2' WHEELS OF WONDER FIRE WONDER Ice plant offers intense red flowers in full sun. A drought-tolerant, spreading perennial.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The stunning Delosperma cooperi ‘WOWDAY2’ WHEELS OF WONDER FIRE WONDER, commonly known as Ice plant, is prized for its prolific, fiery blooms that last all summer long in hot, sunny locations. This herbaceous perennial creates a dense, low-growing mat, making it highly effective as a succulent ground cover. Gardeners value the intense coloration and extreme drought resilience provided by this South African native.
This specific cultivar, ‘WOWDAY2’, features particularly showy, daisy-like flowers boasting vibrant red petals surrounding a contrasting yellow center eye. As a fast-spreading succulent mat, the Ice plant rapidly covers difficult, dry slopes and rocky areas where other ground covers struggle to establish roots. Its ability to handle harsh conditions minimizes long-term maintenance for established plantings.
While it excels in dry, sun-drenched sites, the success of Delosperma cooperi ‘WOWDAY2’ WHEELS OF WONDER FIRE WONDER heavily relies on excellent drainage, especially through cooler winters. When sited correctly, this Ice plant offers consistent color and texture, effectively turning arid spaces into vibrant spectacles throughout the primary growing season.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Aizoaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Red with yellow center eye
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The critical factor for success with Delosperma cooperi ‘WOWDAY2’ WHEELS OF WONDER FIRE WONDER is soil drainage. This Ice plant must be grown in sharply-drained locations; avoid areas with heavy, unamended clay that retains moisture. Planting is best done in spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring the chosen spot receives full, uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day for best flowering performance.
Watering should be minimal once the plant is established. These succulents tolerate significant drought, so water sparingly during very dry periods of the growing season. Overwatering is the quickest way to compromise this plant’s health, particularly entering dormancy. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary, as lean, average soils are preferred over rich amendments.
For optimal winter survival outside of the warmest zones, consider siting Delosperma cooperi ‘WOWDAY2’ WHEELS OF WONDER FIRE WONDER in a sheltered spot that offers maximum drainage. In areas bordering Zone 5, winter protection or supplementary cover might be required, as its hardiness can be unreliable. Minimal pruning is needed; occasionally shear back old growth in early spring to encourage fresh, vigorous mat formation.
Landscape Uses
The primary role of the Ice plant in the landscape is as an exceptional ground cover, rapidly filling in spaces where turfgrass or other perennials struggle due to heat and drought. It is superb for softening the edges of xeriscaped areas, trailing beautifully over retaining walls, or stabilizing dry, shallow-rocky slopes.
Use this vibrant Delosperma cooperi ‘WOWDAY2’ WHEELS OF WONDER FIRE WONDER cultivar to define the front edges of sunny borders or to carpet large sunny but sheltered areas within desert gardens. Because of its low habit, it complements taller architectural succulents or small, drought-tolerant shrubs, providing a consistent splash of intense color beneath them. It functions perfectly as a permanent edger for pathways where foot traffic is minimal.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Delosperma cooperi, commonly called ice plant, is native to South Africa. It typically forms a vigorous, succulent, spreading, evergreen ground cover in warm winter areas of the United States. However, north of USDA Zones 7 (which includes the entire St. Louis area), it is at best semi-evergreen and is not reliably winter hardy. This is a succulent mat-forming plant that typically grows to 3” tall and spreads quickly to 24” or more. The neon-like intensity of the flower color and length of bloom greatly enhance the ornamental interest of these plants. ‘WOWDAY2’ is a compact, floriferous mat-forming selection of ice plant that features large blooms with red petals and a yellow center eye, reaching up to 1.25” in diameter.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
Potential Problems
This succulent generally avoids serious insect or disease issues when properly sited. However, watch for occasional visits from aphids or mealybugs, which can typically be treated with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap. The most significant concern for gardeners growing this lovely Ice plant is winter hardiness, especially in marginal cold zones like St. Louis, where it may not survive without winter protection and sharp drainage. Deer and rabbits fortunately tend to ignore these fleshy, unpalatable leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Ice plant suitable for?
Delosperma cooperi ‘WOWDAY2’ WHEELS OF WONDER FIRE WONDER is typically hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Delosperma cooperi ‘WOWDAY2’ WHEELS OF WONDER FIRE WONDER grow?
Mature clumps of this Ice plant usually reach a height between 0.25 and 5 feet tall, spreading outward to cover an area of 1 to 1.5 feet across.
What sun exposure does Ice plant need?
This plant requires full sun exposure to thrive and produce its best flush of flowers throughout the season.
When does Ice plant bloom?
This Ice plant offers a long bloom period, typically flowering continuously from May straight through to September, displaying its signature red blooms with a yellow center eye.
Conclusion
The Delosperma cooperi ‘WOWDAY2’ WHEELS OF WONDER FIRE WONDER provides unmatched, effortless color for the hottest, driest spots in the garden, cementing its status as a premier drought-tolerant ground cover. Ensure your planting site guarantees sharp drainage to keep this Ice plant thriving through the winter months. Check your local USDA zone compatibility before planning your mass plantings for next spring.
Companion Planting for Dry Gardens
When selecting neighbors for Ice plant, prioritize other xerophytic and sun-loving species that share its love for lean, sharp soil. Pairing Delosperma cooperi ‘WOWDAY2’ WHEELS OF WONDER FIRE WONDER with low-water sedums, creeping thyme, or ornamental grasses creates beautiful textural contrast without competing for moisture. These companions thrive under the same full-sun, dry-care regimen that this specific Ice plant requires.
Designing with Succulent Groundcovers
The mat-forming habit of this succulent lends itself perfectly to breaking up hardscape elements. Plant it between pavers in sunny patios or along flagstone paths where its roots can spread into gravelly pockets. Because the foliage is fleshy and water-storing, the Delosperma cooperi ‘WOWDAY2’ WHEELS OF WONDER FIRE WONDER acts as a living mulch in hot rock gardens, providing cooling green coverage year-round when winters are mild.
