The Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ is a hardy succulent with colorful daisy-like blooms. The lively red and purple flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees in addition to being long-lasting cut flowers.
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In this article, we’ll learn more about the care of this easy-to-grow ice plant variety and how to grow it indoors or outdoors.
in this article:
About Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ is a bright-colored flowering succulent that gets its name from its large, showy white flowers, which appear in spring and can last until frost. These plants are generally low-growing but do grow best in warmer climates such as Arizona, California, and other areas with similar weather patterns.
Delosperma Jewel of the Desert garnet is well suited to growing in containers, rock gardens, and beds. Each plant produces clusters of 4–6 inch daisy flowers from late spring to the first frost in brilliant shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow.
| Common Name | Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | Garden Origin |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 4-6 inches |
| Width | 8-10 inches |
| Light | Full sun |
| Bloom season | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (Early) |
| Water needs | Low, Moderate |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy |
| Tolerant | Drought |
| Toxicity | Non-Toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 5-10 |
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ Care
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ is a low-maintenance plant that generally requires little care other than adequate drainage and proper exposure to sunlight.
Light
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ prefers full sun. This ice plant thrives in hot, sunny conditions and will flower best when grown in an area with plenty of direct sunlight.
It can also tolerate partial shade if necessary.
Soil
This hardy ice plant is adapted to grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it does prefer well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
You can create your own mix by combining equal parts of soil, perlite, and sand, or purchase a pre-made cactus and succulent mix.
Water
During the growing season, Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ should be watered deeply about once a week. It is important to let the soil dry out between sessions to prevent root rot. In hot, dry climates, it may be necessary to water the plant more frequently, but be sure to check the soil moisture level before watering to ensure that the plant is not being overwatered.
Temperature
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ prefers temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). At these temperatures, the plant will grow vigorously and produce abundant flowers. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C) for short periods.
Humidity
Jewel of the Desert Garnet prefers moderate to low humidity. It will thrive in environments with humidity levels between 40-60%.
Fertilizer
Jewel of the Desert Garnet prefers a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied at half strength. This type of fertilizer will provide the plant with a range of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
It is beneficial to fertilize Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ during the growing season, typically from spring to fall.
Pruning
As the plant finishes blooming, be sure to deadhead the flowers to encourage new blooms to form. This will help keep the plant fresh and flowering throughout the growing season.
You may also want to trim any leggy or overgrown growth to encourage a more compact, healthy plant. Simply use clean, sharp scissors to snip off the excess growth at the desired length.
Potting and Repotting Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’
B sure to use a well-draining soil mix, such as a combination of potting soil, perlite, and sand.
This ice plant does not have a deep root system and does not require a lot of space to thrive. A too-large pot may hold excess moisture, leading to root rot.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Gently remove the Delosperma from its current pot: If the Ice plant is root-bound, gently loosen the roots before removing it from the pot.
- Trim any damaged or diseased roots: Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors sterilized with rubbing alcohol or a diluted bleach solution to remove any damaged or diseased roots.
- Place the Delosperma in the new pot: Be sure to plant the ice plant at the same level as it was in the previous pot.
- Fill in the gaps around the plant with soil: Gently pat down the soil to help secure the plant.
- Water the plant thoroughly: Allow the potting soil to dry out between waterings.
Propagating Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ by seeds (Step-by-Step)
- Sow the Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ seeds on the soil’s surface, being careful not to bury them too deeply.
- Cover with a thin layer of soil. Gently pat down the soil to help secure the seeds in place.
- Water gently using a watering can, being careful not to disturb them.
- Place the pots or containers in a warm, sunny location: Delosperma seeds prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) and will germinate best in a location with plenty of direct sunlight.
- Keep the soil moist.
- When the seedlings are larger, carefully transplant them into individual pots or into the garden.
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Blooms
The blooms of Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ are long-lasting and appear throughout the growing season, typically from spring to early winter. The flowers almost cover the foliage, resulting in a breathtaking display of splendor and awe.
The flowers are an eye-scorching red and purple with a yellow center accentuating the blue-green leaves.
Toxicity
Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Garnet’ is not considered to be toxic to humans or animals. This plant is generally regarded as safe to grow around children and pets.
NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.
Common Pests
Spider Mites
When spider mites attack, they form a fine webbing that covers the leaves and flowers. This webbing is clear in color and is often hard to see unless viewed closely, so check for it regularly.
Aphids
These small, pear-shaped insects feed on the plant’s sap, causing distortion and yellowing of the foliage. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with a stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs
These small, white insects feed on the plant’s sap, causing distortion and yellowing the foliage. You can control mealybugs by spraying the plant with neem oil or horticultural oils.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
