Aptenia cordifolia
(ap-TEN-ee-a)
Aptenia
AIZOACEAE
This plant, like many prostrate succulents with flowers is misnamed "ice plant". This is a plant which originates in South Africa. It is fairly hardy (I have read it is hardy down to 20 degrees F.)
It grows laterally, barely two inches high, in shade or sun. The flowers are purple about 1/2 inch in diameter.
Given encouragement, it is an interesting groundcover, or it can be grown in hanging baskets or in a shallow dish garden.
Water moderately in summer and very little in winter.
A variety, "Variegata" has leaves with cream-colored margins.
Propagation is by stem cuttings in early spring or by seed.
